What Is Santa Called in Chile?

Most of us know that "Santa Claus" is not said the same everywhere. For example, Santa is called "Viejito Pascuero" in Chili. When he arrives, he wishes people "Feliz Navidad y un Prospero Anc Nuevo" which translates into "Happy Christmas and a Prosperous New Year!"

Looking at the name of Santa Claus in Chile also provides some insight about the holiday traditions in that country. In Chile, they celebrate a figure known as Father Christmas or Old Man Christmas. You will find that other countries also call Santa Claus by these names as well.

The legend has it that "Viejito Pascuero" is a miniature sized Santa Claus, since the chimneys in Chile are smaller than in other parts of the world. We can be sure that story provides a great way to answer the question that all little ones want to know: "How does Santa fit down the chimney?"

Christmas in Chile

Chile keeps the true spirit and meaning of Christmas alive, as the residents decorate their homes with nativity scenes and statues of other religious figures. They remember that above all, Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Christ.

Their biggest celebration is on Christmas Eve, when almost everyone attends the midnight mass. After that, much celebration ensues, and many foods are eaten. One of the Chilean Christmas staples is a fruit cake known as Pan de Pascua. Once the food is eaten, the children unwrap their presents and the adults stay up late enjoying the company of each another.