Santa-Suited Fishermen Take Peru’s Iconic Reed Boats Out for Christmas

Artisan fishermen in Huanchaco, Peru, launched the Christmas season with a unique maritime celebration, dressing as Santa Claus and taking to the Pacific Ocean on traditional reed boats.
Organized by the Huanchaco municipality, the festive event drew crowds who gathered along the coast to watch the red-suited fishermen paddle ancient watercraft that have been used on Peru’s northern shores for centuries.
Locals and visitors were invited to ride the reed boats for free, blending holiday cheer with an enduring cultural tradition.
The spectacle highlighted the region’s coastal heritage while offering a joyful start to the Christmas season.