|
|
Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and warm, non-denominational
salutations to everyone on the list. For all of the Pagans
and Wiccans on the list who are celebrating the solstice
today, Seasons Greetings!
In the spirit of the holiday I have a heart-warming story
for you from Lubbock, Texas. Santa's Latino cousin from the
South Pole made his annual visit to a number of Texas com-
munities to ensure his naughty-and-nice list was up-to-date.
Pancho Clos has been dropping in on youngsters in the
Lubbock area since the early 1970s. He has become such an
integral part of the season that many of the children he
visited with years - even decades - ago now bring their
children to see Pancho.
Pancho doesn't act much different than his better-known
cousin from the north. He is a kind, jolly man who spreads
Christmas cheer. But to tell the two apart, Pancho Clos
wears a red sombrero with elaborate gold designs and a
colorful poncho over his traditional red suit.
His mode of transit is different, too. Pancho travels by
cart and burros on the ground, not the sleigh being pulled
by reindeer in the air.
No word on whether he stuffs your stockings with roasted
chili peppers and tamales.
"What Santa Claus can't get to, Pancho Clos helps," said
Edward Quirino, who has portrayed Pancho in the past.
Bizarrely,
Lewis
Back
|
|
