Viejito Pascuero
Chile
In Chile Santa Claus is called Viejito Pascuero, literally "old man of Christmas". Chileans also understand Papá Noel, the common name elsewhere in Spanish. It is also called Santa Claus.
Meaning: Christmas gift bringer (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | Note |
|---|---|
| Viejito Pascuero | Chile |
| Papá Noel | standard |
| Santa Claus | borrowed |
Parents tell children el Viejito Pascuero les va a traer regalos. Children write letters to him in December.
Which one should you use?
Viejito Pascuero is the warm, local name. Papá Noel and Santa Claus are used in advertising and translated media.
When do people say it?
Christmas in Chile happens in summer, so he is often pictured in a red suit in hot weather, and his gifts open on December 24 at midnight.
Did you know?
- The name Viejito Pascuero comes from Pascua, an older word for Christmas that is still used in Chile.
Examples in context
- El Viejito Pascuero llegó anoche.Santa arrived last night.
- Le escribí una carta a Papá Noel.I wrote a letter to Santa.
- Mi hijo cree en el Viejito Pascuero.My son believes in Santa.
Example conversation
Rocío puts her son Martín to bed in Santiago on the night of December 23.
- MartínMamá, ¿vendrá el Viejito Pascuero?Mom, will Santa come?
- RocíoSí, pero solo si te duermes.Yes, but only if you fall asleep.
- Martín¿Y mis regalos?And my gifts?
- RocíoLos dejará bajo el árbol.He will leave them under the tree.
