Xmas fervour: Boun Natale draws enthusiastic participation

Thrissur: Thousands of people dressed as Santa Claus dancing to the Christmas songs participated in the Buon Natale, held in the city on Tuesday. This cultural festival organized by the Thrissur archdiocese in association with the Thrissur Citizenry, to coincide with the Christmas celebrations, had earlier entered the Guinness Book of Records, for the participation of the largest number of people dressed up as Santa Claus. The spirit of love, joy and fraternity that was visible was in Boun Natale was in sharp contrast with the bitter feuds among the faithful, witnessed at a church in the neighbouring Ernakulam district, during the Christmas days. Apart from the leaders of the different church denominations, leaders from other religions were also among those who led the procession.Union minister of state for minority affairs John Barla was the chief guest at the festival, and he flagged off the procession of ‘Christmas Papas’. Boun Natale has entered the 10th edition but it had to be discontinued for the past two years due to the Covid-19 outbreak. Like the post-Covid editions of all festivals, Boun Natale also drew enthusiastic participation of the people, including children, youngsters, women and elderly people. Even some differently- abled people participated in it with full excitement in wheel-chairs. Several floats including a huge mobile crib were showcased during the cultural procession.