Pancho Claus facts for kids

Richard Reyes, Houston's Pancho Claus, seen at his Christmas 2009 parade

Pancho Claus is a special version of Santa Claus from Mexico. He is popular in parts of the United States, especially in Texas. Some people call him a "Tex-Mex" Santa. The idea of Pancho Claus started in the 1970s. It grew from a movement to celebrate Hispanic culture. Pancho Claus is known for his charity work. He gives gifts and holds events for children who need help.

The Story of Pancho Claus

Pancho Claus was created in the United States. Mexican Americans wanted to celebrate their own culture. This happened in the 1970s. It was a time when other Hispanic holidays became more popular. These included Cinco de Mayo and Mexican Independence Day.

Pancho Claus is different from Santa Claus. He comes from the South Pole, not the North Pole. Some stories say he is Santa's southern cousin. Pancho Claus wears clothes like a sombrero and a poncho or serape. He often has a black or salt-and-pepper beard. Santa Claus has a white beard. Instead of reindeer, Pancho Claus sometimes uses burros to pull his cart. In West Texas, he is sometimes called Pancho Clos. This helps show he is different from Santa.

Pancho Claus in Action

Pancho Claus is strongly linked to helping children in need.

Pancho Claus in Lubbock

In Lubbock, Texas, the tradition has continued since 1971. Pancho Claus visits schools, churches, and supermarkets. The main event is a big party at Roger's Park. It happens the Sunday before Christmas. Food and gifts are given to children for free. Julian Perez, who is 71, has played Pancho in Lubbock for over 30 years.

Pancho Claus in San Antonio

In San Antonio, Rudy Martinez plays Pancho Claus. He visits schools and churches. He gives gifts to children. He also gives turkeys and all the trimmings to 50 families who need help.

Pancho Claus in Houston

One of the most famous Panchos is Richard Reyes. He has kept the tradition alive in Houston since 1981. Reyes wears a red zoot suit and a fedora hat. This is a unique outfit for the role. He has raised as much as $40,000 each year. This money helps support his activities.

Reyes and his many volunteers hold a Christmas Eve party. It is for some of the city's most disadvantaged children. Each child gets a free meal and seven presents. On Christmas morning, Reyes and his team have a parade. They use vehicles called lowriders. Reyes gives gifts to children from one of these cars. About 10,000 gifts are given out by Reyes and his team every Christmas.

Throughout the rest of the year, he helps teenagers in detention. He helps them go back to school. He also helps them find jobs or even a home. In 2018, Reyes was in the hospital. But he recovered well. He now has a lighter schedule. He still plans to take part in the usual Christmas events.