by Paloma, age 9 from Sevilla, Spain, asks Santa his Spanish name, the Guadalquivir River, and the city’s flamenco heritage.
Dear Santa, my name is Paloma, and I am nine years old. I live in Sevilla, Spain, where my abuelo says our river is the only one in the whole country that big ships can sail all the way inland.
Dear Paloma, a river that welcomes ships so far inland makes for one of the most interesting flight paths on my entire route, your abuelo picked a truly special hometown.
Santa, I have three questions.
What is Santa called in Spanish? My prima in Argentina calls you something different than what my cousins do.
In Spanish, I am most often called Papa Noel, Paloma, though some places also use San Nicolas. Your prima and cousins are both correct, just using slightly different traditions from their own regions.
My abuelo says the Guadalquivir River is the only one in Spain that seagoing ships can sail all the way inland on. Is that true?
It is true, Paloma, the Guadalquivir River allows oceangoing ships to travel remarkably far inland, right up to your city. I always follow that impressive waterway to help find my way to your rooftop.
My abuelo says Sevilla is famous around the world for a passionate style of dance called flamenco. Is that true?
It is true, Paloma, flamenco has deep roots right here in Andalusia, blending music, dance, and song into something truly powerful. That kind of passionate, expressive art is really something worth celebrating, Christmas and every day after.
Merry Christmas, Santa.
Your friend,
Paloma Reyes
Sevilla, Spain
P.S. Will you tell my prima both our names for you are correct?
Already settled, Paloma, both names suit me equally well.
