Buon Natale rally turns Thrissur into a living canvas of Christmas joy

The streets of Thrissur overflowed with Christmas cheer on Saturday as the city transformed into a dazzling sea of red and white, with more than 15,000 Santa Clauses marching together in the grand Buon Natale Christmas procession. Organised jointly by the Thrissur Archdiocese and the Thrissur Pouravali, the annual event once again reaffirmed the city’s reputation as Kerala’s cultural capital and a symbol of inclusive celebration.

Dressed in classic red suits trimmed with white fur and sporting stocking caps, thousands of participants, young and old, filled the streets, spreading joy, goodwill and festive warmth. Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat inaugurated the procession, describing Thrissur as “not just a place, but an idea.”

“Thrissur is an idea where faith does not divide, culture does not isolate, and celebration does not exclude,” the Minister said. He noted that festivals in Thrissur are not mere calendar events, but powerful expressions of shared humanity. Referring to Buon Natale, Mr. Shekhawat said it was conceived not as a simple Christmas carnival, but as a public celebration rooted in social conscience. “Year after year, it has grown not only in scale, but also in purpose,” he said.

Highlighting the charity initiatives linked to the festival, the Minister said Buon Natale lives not just on the streets, but in the hearts and lives it touches. “Celebration is incomplete unless it reaches the most vulnerable. Faith finds its true expression in care and service,” he said, calling the ‘Celebration of Mercy’ a living commitment rather than a slogan.

Theme song

This year’s edition featured a theme song composed by music director Jerry Amaldev, while synchronised flash-mob dances by Santa-clad performers and striking tableaux created breathtaking visuals. Skating Santas glided into the city like swarms of fireflies, followed by a gift-distributing robot Santa and a flying drone Santa. AI-supported moving floats, designed and built by students and teachers of Jyothi Engineering College, added a futuristic touch to the festivities.

Union Minister of State Suresh Gopi, State Ministers K. Rajan and R. Bindu, Mayor Niji Justin, Archbishop Mar Andrews Thazhath, Metropolitan of the Chaldean Syrian Church Mar Awgin Kuriakose, Cardinal Mar George Jacob Koovakkad, Auxiliary Bishop Mar Tony Neelankavil and several other dignitaries participated, making Buon Natale a radiant celebration of faith, harmony and shared joy.