by Mateo, age 8, asks Papa Noel are you exactly the same as the American Santa?, about the Rio de la Plata, and Argentina’s midnight Christmas fireworks
Dear Papa Noel,
My name is Mateo and I am 8 years old. I live in Buenos Aires, Argentina, where Christmas happens right in the middle of summer, and my whole family eats dinner outside on the patio under strings of lights.
First, are you exactly the same as the American Santa?
Second, a geography question: what wide river is Buenos Aires built along?
Third, a school question about my country: why do Argentine families celebrate Christmas with fireworks and toasts right at midnight?
I left you vitel toné, a cold sliced meat dish, and a slice of pan dulce.
Love, Mateo, age 8, Buenos Aires, Argentina, Buenos Aires, Argentina
From the Desk of Papa Noel
Dear Mateo, thank you for the treat, it was wonderful. Now, your questions.
Are you exactly the same as the American Santa?
Very nearly, yes, the same generous spirit and the same red coat, adapted a little for the warm summer weather here in South America.
What wide river is Buenos Aires built along?
Buenos Aires sits along the Rio de la Plata, an enormous river estuary so wide that you genuinely cannot see the other side, and the city lights spread out along its edge make for a spectacular summer-night approach by sleigh.
Why do Argentine families celebrate Christmas with fireworks and toasts right at midnight?
In Argentina, Nochebuena, Christmas Eve, is celebrated with a late family dinner stretching right up to midnight, when everyone embraces, toasts, and fireworks light up the summer sky across the whole city at once, one of the most joyful moments of the entire Argentine year.
Feliz Navidad, Mateo.
Ho ho ho, Papa Noel
