INTERNATIONAL: Santa got a little help from the fire brigade in Peru on Wednesday, using a fire truck and its cherry picker to safely delivery presents to children with COVID-19 who are isolating.
Santa Claus, the legendary figure who is the traditional patron of Christmas and brings gifts to children. His popular image is based on traditions associated with Saint Nicholas, a 4th-century Christian saint.
With the help of the fire brigade, Santa has reached over 120 children through the windows of the Pan American Village on Tuesday. The Village, built for the Pan American games of Lima, is now a center to treat and isolate families with COVID-19.Adding to the Christmas spirit, health workers below danced to carols while kids cheered for a mask-clad Santa as he got closer to their windows.
Christmas traditions in Peru are believed to have been established sometime around 1535. This was the year Francisco Pizarro took control of Lima two years after defeating the Inca emperor Atahuallpa.
Given that the majority of the Peruvian population practices Catholicism, it comes as no surprise there is a long and celebrated history of Christmas traditions in this part of the world. Some of these traditions are similar to those practiced in the United States and Europe since they revolve around the Church, but there are also a few traditions that are entirely different.
One Covid-19 patient isolated with his family says they’ll remain in the hospital until the 26th. So, having Santa around will help them keep their spirits high.
Pan American Village Director, Juan Oriundo says Santa and the fire brigade have provided a solution using the cherry picker so they can get close to the windows and give the children a little present. That way they can feel the excitement of Christmas that they might not get at home on the 24th of December.
Paul Suarez, who volunteers as Santa has shared his feelings on giving the gifts for the children in the hospital; "The most important thing is the love you get. Saying 'I love you Santa' is magical. Why? It may seem like It's not important but it is, because I'm not a close relative, I'm not their mom or dad. What kid tells someone that's not from their family that they love them?"
PHOTO: MAN DRESSED AS SANTA CLAUS DELIVERING PRESENTS USING CHERRY PICKER FROM FIRE TRUCK, HEALTH WORKERS AND FIRE BRIGADE CHEERING FOR CHILDREN, SOUNDBITES FROM FAMILIES AND HEALTH OFFICIAL
