In Brazil's Amazon, Christmas comes by boat

MANAUS, Brazil, Dec 24

In the remote river communities on the outskirts of the Amazon’s largest city, Christmas came by boat this year.

A luminescent barge bedecked with a towering Christmas tree and a colorful nativity scene visited Nossa Senhora de Fatima in Manaus this week, anchoring on the banks of the River Negro.

Santa Claus disembarked, ringing a bell and wishing everyone a merry Christmas. He brought food parcels, toys, and much festive cheer.

Beside the boat, provided by the city of Manaus, a firework display lit up the night sky.

“I think it’s super important, because these kids don’t get the chance to see this kind of thing … the Christmas tree, Santa Claus,” said Fabiola Ferreira Melo, 23, who was there with her 4-year-old daughter. “It’s a surprise, a novelty.” Reuters