by Beatriz from Braga asks Santa how to call him, learns about Braga being one of the oldest cities in Portugal, and hears about the city’s Christmas market tradition
Dear Santa, my name is Beatriz and I am nine years old. I live in Braga, Portugal, where my avó says our city has been standing for so long that it was already old when much of the rest of the country was still being figured out.
Dear Beatriz, your avó is entirely right, and I have flown over that particular ancient history for a very long time myself.
Santa, I have three questions.
My first question is, how do I call Santa? My little cousin wants to hear your voice directly instead of just sending a letter.
Phone calls are trickier to manage than letters, Beatriz, given how many millions of children I would need to speak with directly. A carefully written letter remains my most reliable way of truly listening to every single child.
My second question is about our city. My teacher says Braga is one of the oldest cities in all of Portugal. Is that true?
It is, Beatriz. Braga has a history stretching back to Roman times, making it one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Portugal. Flying over your ancient city each Christmas Eve fills me with genuine, quiet admiration.
My third question is about our Christmas market. My family visits every December to see the festive stalls. Why is that tradition so special here?
Braga’s Christmas market brings the whole community together each December, Beatriz, festive stalls and lights filling the historic streets with real warmth. I always enjoy flying over that particular glow each year.
Merry Christmas, Santa.
Your friend,
Beatriz Carvalho
Braga, Portugal
P.S. Do you visit the Christmas market every year?
Without fail, Beatriz. It would be a shame to miss it.
