Santa arrives at Rio favela bearing gifts

Santa Claus arrived by helicopter to the Vila Kennedy favela in Rio de Janeiro on Saturday, bringing gifts for the children and Christmas cheer for everyone else.

As the holiday season begins, the community held a celebration with food, music and dance for its thousands of residents, who struggle with gang violence and the economic effects of the ongoing pandemic.

It's the first community Christmas event for three years, with the previous two being cancelled first due to lack of funds and then the pandemic.   .

"This event represents hope. After this period we stayed locked inside, lockdown, we are here doing this joyful crowding with children, there is no other way" said Andrei Araújo, president of the Vila Kennedy Residents Association.

After landing on a football field, Santa went to a small gymnasium to take pictures with the children and hand out gifts.

Around 1,200 youngsters enjoyed a sunny Saturday with games of football, inflatable slides, a mechanical bull and other activities.