Santa Claus: the traditional Christmas hero who arrived in Lima by helicopter in the 60s

Santa Claus reigns in the fantasies of the little ones, who every December write him letters asking for gifts. Few perhaps remember that its origin dates back to the 12th century when the Catholic tradition of Saint Nicholas began to grow in Europe. Tall and thin, Saint Nicholas of Bari was a bishop who helped those in need. He became the patron saint of Russia, Turkey, and Greece. When he died, his image would be related to Christmas due to his social work.

However, later, the publicity changed the image of Santa Claus giving him his red suit with white and a sack full of gifts.

As the years passed, Santa Claus no longer traveled by sleigh but in modern airplanes and helicopters. He did so on December 9, 1962 when he landed in the Salazar de Miraflores park. A hundred children were trying to get closer. This event was organized by the district municipality and the famous Panagra airline.

For this purpose a carriage drawn by horses was arranged. The youth singers Hermanos Ponce, the comedian Tulio Loza and the ballet by Nino Contreras were part of the show.

The next day, the ‘Santa Claus of Panagra’ visited the children of the Pérez Araníbar Puericultorio where he distributed more than 600 toys donated by the Ideal Toy company. In the afternoon, the popular character brought joy and gifts to the children admitted to the San Juan de Dios Clinic Home.

In our archive we have several postcards of Santa Claus. In some he shares smiles with the children who want to take a picture with him, for example in the Jirón de la Unión.

Since the 70s, many commercial houses began to hire Santa Claus to animate the Christmas campaign. This is what happened in 1981 when the pre-Christmas auction was held in the Center of Lima. However, not all little ones want to get close to him.

Santa Claus never imagined that in 2020 he would have to wear a mask and face shield to fulfill his task of giving joy to the little ones.

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