This week we have already featured videos of the Minimalist Santa at the Duomo in Barga, riding a FIAT 500 just inside the main gate in Barga Vecchia, dancing in the snow in front of the Mordini statue on the Fosso and entertaining the people in the Piazza Salvi outside of Aristo’s bar. Today we venture inside Aristo’s for the last video this year of the Minimalist Santa in action -- this time as he plays along with real musicians.
To explain a little of the fascination this year with Santa it is important to realise that the whole concept of Santa Claus with his trademark red fur lined coat and large white beard is a new phenomenon for this area. Until very recently it was the Befana who brought children their Christmas presents. It is only in the last 20 years or so that the figure of Santa Claus has been known and widely used -- mainly through the power of advertising and television.
Stripping that figure down to the bare minimals -- removing the red coat and beard but still making it recognisable as Santa is a testament to that power.
…and the Minimal Santa madness just keeps on coming … there is now a video reply to this article – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aTiYnv3nBFE