Spain’s Basque Country also sees a lovable, portly figure deliver gifts on December 24th, but Olentzaro hardly resembles Santa. He hails from a race of giants in the Pyrenees, his face stained with soot as a testament to his hardworking days as a coalmaker. Donning a traditional Basque beret and smoking a pipe, Olentzero is more of a homespun Santa, representing a simple yet generous man with as little flash as possible. Olentzero is a skilled craftsman, and according to legend, he crafts all toys and dolls with his own hands.
Devils and Homespun Saints: The Top 5 Alternative European Santas
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