Countless Christmas films, cards and songs all tell us the same thing: Santa Claus travels in a sleigh pulled by reindeer. But that's not the case in Brazil.
He doesn't need Prancer, Dancer, Blitzen or even Rudolph, because Brazil's version of the jolly bearded man has been upgraded to a slightly fancier mode of transport to deliver his presents.
Santa does sometimes still uses a sleigh, but rather than relying on four-legged creatures to fly him around, he instead has been known to attach himself to a helicopter or simply ride inside like a true VIP - which, of course, he is.
Advert
Admittedly, it might be a bit harder to hear the jingle of the bells on his sleigh, but you'd definitely hear him coming once those propellers start whizzing around.
Santa Claus is known as Papai Noel in Brazil, and he can be spotted flying about the country throughout December. He visits supermarkets to throw sweets to excited youngsters, and has been known to entertain thousands of people by singing Christmas songs at the Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro.
The mystical gift-giver is dressed similarly to the Father Christmas often depicted in America and the UK, though he's likely to break a sweat under his layers as Christmas in Brazil falls in the early days of summer.
Advert
Rather than relying on chimneys to enter houses, Santa instead just saunters in through the door, which honestly sounds like much less hassle.
Families decorate with Christmas trees, fairy lights and tinsel, and a popular way to give presents in the country is the popular game Secret Santa, which involves people buying gifts for one person in particular, rather than numerous people.
And when it’s time to hand over the gifts, the person behind the present will often describe the recipient and allow people to guess who it belongs to.
Advert
According to Travel Brazil Selection, Christmas carols in the country take on samba rhythms to help ensure people get moving, and companies are known to distribute 'cestas de Natal', or Christmas baskets, to their employees. The baskets are packed with gifts such as sweets and food, which they can take home to share with families.
On Christmas Eve, residents enjoy a midnight mass to mark the occasion before children head off to bed. Instead of following suit, however, adults celebrate all night as many residents enjoy the Brazilian festival the Folia de Reis.
The festival lasts from December 24 to 6 January and involves door-to-door processions featuring musicians, dancers and singers.
Topics: World News, Christmas
Emily Brown