Santa Claus Throughout Latin America

Mexico: Santa Claus (pronounced Santa Clos) is the merriest Mexican in el D.F. In Mexico Lindo, though, Santa takes a back seat to the Three Wise Men and Jesus (the shock, we know). For the most part most mejicanos practice La Novena, a nine-day religious observation leading up to Christmas Eve. Once dinner is served piñatas, tamales and drunken relatives run amuck . . . it’s tradition.

Brazil: If only Papai Noel could bring peace to the country’s favelas...sigh. In either case this brasilero gift bearer is a native of Greenland because, well, it’s too hot in Brazil for the portly gent. On Christmas Eve he wears lightweight silk clothes to deliver all his presents. Instead of stockings, children expect to find trinkets in their shoes Christmas morning. And thongs for the hot moms *crosses fingers.*

Puerto Rico: In La Isla del Encanto St. Nick has to share his stage with Los Tres Reyes Magos. That’s right, the three dudes who brought Baby Jesus gold, frankincense and myrrh (wow those 12 years of Catholic school really paid off). To some boricuas January 6th is a day to honor the Three Kings but to others it’s just another day off for a house party. As with every bean-loving Latino, boricuas love a good fiesta. Let’s just say that if Santa let one rip, it’ll be a good excuse to party!

Chile: Mr. Claus is called El Viejito Pascuero in this South American country and pretty much, sticks to the script. The kiddies go to sleep on December 24th and wake up at 11:59PM to rush to get their gifts. Since 2006, Chileans have been extra grateful during the holidays. Their ultimate mala yerba finally died.

Costa Rica: San Nicolás is celebrated in CR but he’s isn’t in charge of bringing presents. Aside from being born to save us from eternal damnation (according to the Bible) Little Baby Jesus also brings PS3s and other mass produced products. So if you happen to spend Noche Buena in the Central American nation make sure to brush up on your Jesus history. Actually, it’ll be handy in any Latin American country; thanks Spain for torturing us into believing in Christ.