Santa here is Saint Nicholas, globally acknowledged as the man who inspired the Santa Claus legend. The popularity of Saint Nicholas with Christians worldwide (churches have been built in his name as far afield as Japan) could help explain the global appeal of Santa Claus. “I support the connection because, through Santa Claus, I meet here in Bari people of all races who come to study the origin of Santa Claus,” he says. In December actors walk around town alternatively dressed as Santa and San Nicola. “I’m happy that the real Santa is buried in my hometown, which is the origin place of the myth of Santa Claus,” he says.

Source: CNN December 11, 2023 20:03 UTC