(Manaus) In the heart of the Brazilian Amazon, no sleigh for Santa Claus: perched on the prow of a large motor boat, he greets the children who are waiting for him firmly on the shore.
Its red and white dress contrasts with the emerald green of the largest tropical forest in the world and the brown waters of the Solimoes River.
” Merry Christmas ! », He exclaims before docking, shaking a bell, in the locality of Parana da Terra Nova, 24 km from Manaus, the largest Amazonian metropolis.
As part of an operation by the Amigos do Papai Noel (Friends of Santa Claus) association, he meets the poor communities of “Ribeirinhos”, families living on the banks of the river, 24 km from Manaus.
When he finally sets foot on land, after three hours of navigation, this Santa Claus unlike any other opens his arms wide to welcome the toddlers running towards him.
PHOTO MICHAEL DANTAS, FRANCE-PRESS AGENCY
“We can’t change the world, but we can make children smile at Christmas,” Jorge Alberto, 57, bundled up in his thick suit, his pom-pom hat and his false beard, told AFP, despite the heat. stifling.
And to bring the gifts to those who live in the most isolated areas, he sometimes has to face a real obstacle course.
After having borrowed a small boat to enter a narrower bend in the river, he walks with a hesitant step on a makeshift bridge made of not very reassuring planks.
PHOTO MICHAEL DANTAS, FRANCE-PRESS AGENCY
But when Amazonian Santa Claus arrives at his destination, the reward is there: the smile from ear to ear for children who forget their harsh reality for a while, in a region severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Our challenge is to go where no one is going. We don’t just come to distribute gifts, we come to bring joy, ”explains Denise Kassama, 50, coordinator of the project which plans to reach 4,000 children by Christmas.
The torrential rain that fell at the end of the day did not dampen the enthusiasm of the volunteers, who organized games and make-up workshops.