As the holiday season approaches, the enchanting tale of Santa Claus embarks on a peculiar journey to the southern Italian town of Bari. Here, beneath the grandeur of the Basilica di San Nicola, lies an intriguing narrative that challenges the conventional image of Santa we’ve all grown up with.
Bari has proudly embraced an alternative Santa story for nearly a millennium, tracing its roots back to Saint Nicholas, the real-life Christian saint born in Myra, present-day Turkey, around 270 C.E. The Baresi people assert that Saint Nicholas’s remains were transported to their town in 1087, and today, 75% of his skeleton rests beneath the Basilica of San Nicola. Pilgrims from across the globe visit this sacred site, highlighting the town’s deep connection to the revered saint.
Yet, despite the global acknowledgment of Saint Nicholas as the inspiration for Santa Claus, the people of Bari maintain a distinctive perspective. Locals, proud of their city’s acclaim for delicious mussels and pristine beaches, seem somewhat indifferent to the commercialized extravaganza of modern Christmas associated with Santa.
Antonio Palumbo, a Bari-based movie director, captures this sentiment, emphasizing that the iconic image of Santa Claus, with a white beard and red attire, was a creation of American fizzy drink marketers, particularly Coca-Cola in the 1930s. Bari’s residents perceive their local hero, San Nicola, as a distinct figure, not to be conflated with the consumer-driven image of Father Christmas.
Maria Rita Mauro, head of the local tourist office, affirms this local sentiment, emphasizing that San Nicola is their cult figure, a protector of children, young women, sailors, and traders. The celebration of Saint Nicholas Day on December 5th involves Roman Catholic Mass, hot chocolate, pancakes, and a parade featuring the statue of San Nicola. The festivities also include prayers for betrothal, as Nicholas is considered a patron saint of unmarried women.
While the people of Bari may be protective of their Saint Nicholas, church authorities recognize the connection between him and Santa. Father Giovanni Distante, prior of the San Nicola basilica, asserts that Father Christmas is an evolution and transformation of Saint Nicholas, a universal saint worshipped across Christianity.
Delving into historical facts, Father Gerardo Cioffari, archivist of the San Nicola basilica’s research center, notes that Saint Nicholas’s reputation for generosity is well-documented. A notable episode recounts him throwing bags of gold coins through a window to three maidens in need, solidifying his role as a protector of women.
Despite Bari’s initial reluctance to embrace the commercial associations of Santa Claus, a newfound awareness is emerging among some locals. Efforts to capitalize on the Nicholas-Santa link aim to transform Bari’s Christmas connections into a tourist attraction. Rossella Mauro, a proud Bari resident, notes the evolving depiction of San Nicola with more Santa-like features in paintings and souvenirs.
Local businesses, such as the San Nicola brewery and souvenir shops, have begun incorporating the Christmas link into their offerings. Guided tours featuring the basilica, local museum, and thematic landmarks have become popular, fostering a sense of pride among Baresi.
Paco Ricchiuti, head of a local tourist operator, envisions turning Bari’s Christmas link into a global brand. He organizes tours, complete with actors dressed as Santa and San Nicola, providing visitors with a unique experience. The town’s entrepreneurial spirit is evident in the production of San Nicola beer and souvenir T-shirts, all contributing to the effort of showcasing Bari as the origin place of the myth of Santa Claus.
As Bari navigates its Christmas connection, balancing tradition with modern appeal, the town stands as a testament to the enduring charm and adaptability of one of the world’s most beloved holiday figures.
