Got 1 min? Santa swaps his sleigh for the Mexico City metro

Christmas is still a few days away, but Santa Claus has already arrived in Mexico.

And on Wednesday, he eschewed his sleigh and took a ride on the Mexico City metro, stopping off along the way at the Chabacano, Pino Suárez and Hidalgo stations.

At each station, the metro said in a statement, “Father Christmas, as this magical character is also known, remained motionless in the form of a statue, and when passengers approached he asked them what their wish was this Christmas.”

“At that moment, Santa’s suit lit up as he raised his hand to the area of his heart, which upon being touched also glowed to show he would keep [the passengers] there for ever,” the statement continued.

“… Young and old, alone, in a couple or in groups, the metro passengers agreed that [seeing] Santa Iluminado [Illuminated Santa] was a pleasant surprise,” the metro said, adding that “Santa also received letters from those who decided to personally deliver them, hoping that once in his sleigh, the white-bearded man will give them a gift this Dec. 25.”

Apparently assuming that young children wouldn’t read the entire statement, the metro revealed in the third last paragraph that Santa was in fact José Miguel Moctezuma González, an “urban artist” who has performed as a “living statue” for the past 12 years.

He has previously appeared in the metro as “Don Ferro Ferrocarrilero,” an impersonation of an old-school railroad worker.

On Wednesday, a long beard, white gloves and spectacles – rather than a railroad lantern and a kerchief – were among the accessories Moctezuma used to depict his character of choice beneath the bustling streets of Mexico City.

Ho ho ho! Merry Christmas! Just a few more sleeps and you might catch a glimpse of Santa yourself!

Mexico News Daily 

Have something to say? Paid Subscribers get all access to make & read comments.
corn growing

Women farmers in Oaxaca, Guerrero report catastrophic drought

0
Two farming associations called on state and federal authorities to declare a climate emergency in drought-affected areas of Oaxaca and Guerrero and establish programs aimed at guaranteeing food sovereignty and supporting female farmers.
Navy at-sea bust

The Mexican Navy’s at-sea cocaine seizures are up nearly 50% this year

0
The Navy announced that it has seized 37.9 tonnes of cocaine so far this year compared to 25.7 tonnes in 2025, and has also confiscated dozens of vessels linked to illicit activity and arrested more than 80 suspects.
Mexico flag flying high from the Zócalo

State of democracy improved in Mexico in 2025 as region showed signs of deterioration

0
According to the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA), Mexico's score improved in the categories of rule of law and participation; however, it remains among the bottom-scoring countries in three out of the four categories measured.
BETA Version - Powered by Perplexity