Different names of Santa around the world

By Marta Díaz on Wednesday, December 18, 2024

Christmas Day is getting closer and closer, and with it, the arrival of Santa Claus. This figure is one of the most common characteristics at Christmas parties and, depending on where you are, you will hear one name or another.

Do you want to know what Santa Claus is called in Spain? Or in different Latin American countries? Discover with Enforex all the names given to Santa Claus in Spanish around the world. And if you want to continue learning, don't hesitate to take an intensive Spanish course and immerse yourself in the culture during the Christmas holidays.

Below, you will find a list of the most common names in Spain and Latin America for Santa Claus.

Santa Claus names in Spain

Papá Noel is the most common name in Spain for Santa Claus. It is inspired by the French Père Noël and is the most common way to call him throughout the country. Although in other areas, especially in the north, there is a similar figure that has its own name and origin.

Olentzero

In the Autonomous Communities of the Basque Country and Navarre, there is the Olentzero. This is a traditional Basque figure who brings gifts at Christmas. The Olentzero is a charcoal-burner who comes down from the mountains with gifts for children on Christmas Day.

Tió de Nadal

Also in Spain, although not exactly Santa Claus, you can find the Tió de Nadal. Throughout Catalonia and Aragon, on Christmas Day gifts are usually brought by the Tió de Nadal, a magical log that “shits” gifts after being hit. A curious and fun tradition, especially for the little ones.

Apalpador

In Galicia, you’ll find the Apalpador or Pendigueiro. This is a giant Galician charcoal-burner who, according to tradition, comes down from the mountains and arrives in the villages to visit the children at Christmas. He sneaks into the rooms to check if the children have eaten well during the year and leaves a handful of chestnuts. In addition, if they have been good, he will also leave presents for the little ones on the tree.

El Esteru

In Cantabria, El Esteru is a figure that represents a kind and generous woodcutter who lives in the forests of this region. Tradition describes him as someone who hands out gifts to children during Christmas. He is very similar to the Apalpador in Galicia.

He is usually pictured as an older man with a beard, wearing rustic clothes and carrying an axe, as he cuts wood in the Cantabrian forests. He lives in harmony with nature and represents values such as simplicity, connection with the environment and solidarity.

L'Anguleru

L'Anguleru is an Asturian Christmas character that was created as an alternative in Asturias to Santa Claus. He represents an elver fisherman (typical fish of Asturias) who delivers presents at Christmas.

According to legend, L'Anguleru works throughout the year fishing for elvers in the Villaviciosa estuary. When Christmas approaches, he travels from the Sargasso Sea (in the Atlantic Ocean) to Asturias to deliver presents to children. On this journey, he uses his boat as a means of transportation.

Santa Claus names in Latin America

Also widely used in Latin America, Santa Claus is popularly known as Papá Noel. This is the name most used in many countries such as Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay and much of Mexico.

However, in Mexico, especially in urban areas, Puerto Rico and Venezuela, he is also called Santa Claus, influenced by Anglo-Saxon culture. It is also common to simply use Santa in countries such as Puerto Rico and Panama.

Viejito Pascuero

El Viejito Pascuero is the name given in Chile to Santa Claus. It is an affectionate way of referring to this character and means “el viejito de la Navidad” (the old man of Christmas). It combines the figure of a kindly old man with the idea of Easter, which is the celebration of the birth of Jesus.

San Nicolás

In some countries, such as Colombia, Ecuador and the Dominican Republic, it is called San Nicolás (Saint Nicholas) in reference to the saint who inspired this figure. Saint Nicholas of Bari was a Christian saint known for his generosity, which gave rise to the figure of Santa Claus.

In more traditional regions, a direct connection is maintained between the religious figure of St. Nicholas and the giving of gifts at Christmas.

Colacho

A lesser-known name for Santa Claus is Colacho. This name is widely used in Costa Rica to refer to Santa Claus and is an abbreviation of Nicolacho, a reference to Saint Nicholas, used as a diminutive or affectionate nickname.

Although less known in other regions, the name Colacho is used locally to refer to Santa Claus in Costa Rica.

Niño Dios

In several countries such as Colombia, Venezuela, Guatemala and Bolivia, it is not Santa Claus or Papá Noel, but the Niño Dios who brings the gifts. This approach maintains a stronger link with the religious meaning of Christmas.

This tradition is based on the figure of the baby Jesus, who is seen as the bearer of Christmas gifts. It receives this name due to a strong Catholic religious heritage, which prioritizes the Baby Jesus over secular figures such as Santa Claus.

Another name, and variant of Niño Dios, is El Niño Jesús. This term is used especially in Peru and some rural areas of Mexico and Central America (Peru, Colombia, Ecuador or Bolivia).

El Gordo de Navidad

In Cuba, another name for Santa Claus is El Gordo de Navidad. This term alludes to the fact that the figure of Santa Claus is usually represented as a corpulent and cheerful man handing out gifts.

His popularity is a mixture of colloquial expressions that combines humor and tradition. Sometimes, he is colloquially referred to as El Gordo de Navidad, although this denomination can vary from Santa, Santa Claus…

As you have been able to see, in the same Spanish-speaking country the name of Santa Claus varies, has its own origin and even a totally new figure. Although traditions vary, in all of them the spirit of sharing, giving and celebrating as a family is preserved.