Where Santa Claus is buried

VnExpress•15/12/2023

Located in the Basilica of San Nicola, in the town of Bari, Italy , are the remains of the figure considered the "origin of the Santa Claus legend".

Every child knows that Santa Claus travels around the world in a reindeer-drawn sleigh, delivering Christmas presents down the chimney, and then returning home to the North Pole.

When tourists visit Bari, a small town located at the heel of Italy (Italy is shaped like a boot), they will be told a different story, about a thousand-year-old tomb believed to contain the remains of Santa Claus or Saint Nicholas (Nick).

Saint Nicholas is recognized worldwide as the inspiration for the legend of Santa Claus. Nicholas was a real saint, born in Myra, an ancient town in Türkiye.

The Basilica of San Nicola in Bari, where the relics of Saint Nicholas are kept. Photo: Alamy Stock — The Basilica of San Nicola in Bari, where the relics of Saint Nicholas are kept. Photo: *Alamy Stock*

Saint Nick was born around 270 and died 67 years later. He was revered throughout the Mediterranean for his generosity, especially in Bari. Many believe that it was this exceptional generosity that led Bari sailors to steal his remains in 1087 and transport them to their town.

Today, most of the remains believed to belong to Saint Nicholas rest beneath his Basilica of San Nicola, the town's largest church. Worshippers and tourists from all over the world frequently visit this site.

Local director Antonio Palumbo says the people of Bari are proud of three things: delicious food, pristine beaches, and Saint Nicholas. They keep images or statues of the saint in their wallets and cars as good luck charms and regard him as a hero. Therefore, they are somewhat confused when faced with Christmas and believe that Saint Nicholas has no connection to modern Christmas traditions.

Maria Rita Mauro, head of the local Tourism Promotion Office, said people revere Saint Nick because he is their patron saint. "We don't see him as Santa Claus, we simply see him as Saint Nick," Mauro said.

The celebration of St. Nick in Bari begins on the night of December 5th. People attend Mass early the next morning and then enjoy hot chocolate, pancakes, and fried cornbread. This is followed by a lively street festival with music as a statue of St. Nick is paraded through the old town to a giant Christmas tree. Bars and pastry shops are bustling with activity at this time.

The Basilica of San Nicola, viewed from the outside. Photo: Alamy Stock — The Basilica of San Nicola, viewed from the outside. Photo: *Alamy Stock*

Although the people of Bari are reluctant to acknowledge a connection between Saint Nick and Santa Claus, wanting to protect the image of their beloved saint, the local church supports the link. Father Giovanni Distante at the Basilica of San Nicola stated that "they are the same person."

"Santa Claus is simply an evolution, a transformation from the image of Saint Nicholas, a globally revered saint," Father Distante said. Father Gerardo Cioffari argued that the image of Saint Nicholas delivering gifts is "a historical event" and not merely a legend.

Things are gradually changing in Bari as more and more people want to foster this connection to turn the town into a popular tourist destination, especially during Christmas.

Paco Ricchiuti, head of Velo Service, a local tourism company, began profiting from this connection. He organizes guided tours to the basilica and local museum, which houses artifacts related to St. Nicholas, and the stadium named after him. In the historic Bari Vecchia district, visitors have the opportunity to admire numerous murals depicting the local hero, including one of St. Nicholas practicing yoga.

Tourists pose for photos with a man dressed as Saint Nicholas during a tour by Paco Ricchiuti. Photo: CNN. — Tourists pose for photos with a man dressed as Saint Nicholas during a tour by Paco Ricchiuti. Photo: *CNN.*

Tourists can also enjoy the famous San Nicola beer, made from local ingredients, and buy souvenir T-shirts featuring San Nicola. However, experts still believe the town should do more to attract visitors.

"I'm so happy that Santa Claus is actually buried in my hometown. Bari is where the legend of Santa Claus originated. People all over the world are envious of this, and we don't realize how lucky we are," said Paco Ricchiuti.

(By Anh Minh , according to CNN )

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