The actor Rodrigo França played Santa Claus. He visited the Cidade de Deus favela in Rio de Janeiro on Monday, to give gifts to children in the community.
Parents were able to take their children there even if the event was almost canceled by a police raid.
The NGO hosting the event, Unified Favelas Central (CUFA), has worked in Brazil’s favelas for over 20 years and aims to reinforce the importance of representation.
“The first thing I heard was ‘Santa Claus looks like my father, my grandfather, my uncle'”said the actor. “I’ve heard great things.”
Teacher Karen Lamego said the children were “delighted” to have the chance to meet a Santa who “looks like them”.
According to research by NGOs and human rights organizations, including CUFA, 67% of the population living in Rio’s favelas is black.
Two other favelas, including Rocinha, the city’s largest, are also expected to hold Black Santa events.
