# Brazil's Santa Claus School Graduates New Class at Christ the Redeemer Fifty-five trained Santas celebrate their certification beneath Rio de Janeiro's iconic statue. - **Source:** [Africanews](https://www.africanews.com) - **Published:** 2026-11-04 - **Topic:** [culture](https://brifing.si/c/culture) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/bcb3635c-82aa-49b6-a9ed-5d73de035c56 ## Ceremonial Graduation Event Fifty-five graduates from the Escola de Papai Noel do Brasil gathered at the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro this Tuesday. Dressed in traditional red suits and white beards, the participants traveled via the Corcovado mountain railway to receive their diplomas during a formal blessing ceremony marking their course completion. ## Curriculum and Training Scope The free month-long training program focuses on essential performance skills for holiday entertainers. Students attend weekly Tuesday afternoon sessions covering acting, improvisation, and diction. The curriculum also includes practical instruction on posture, make-up application, costume maintenance, and beard care, alongside training in Brazilian Sign Language to ensure inclusive communication for all children. ## Eligibility and Enrollment Criteria The school maintains specific criteria for its applicants to ensure authenticity in their portrayals. Enrollment is strictly open to men aged 50 and older who possess naturally white or grey hair and beards. This focus on natural appearance helps maintain the traditional image expected by families visiting shopping centers and hospitals. ## Historical Foundation of School Founded in 1993, the institution began in the basement of a house in Vila Isabel. Actors Limachem Cherem and Conrado Freitas established the school alongside costume designer Fátima Tavares Cherem. Over the past 33 years, the program has evolved from a small local initiative into a recognized training center for professional holiday performers. ## Long-term Impact and Reach Since its inception, the school has certified more than 1,000 Santas and approximately 300 Noeletes, the female equivalent of the role. This consistent output of trained performers has created a network of seasonal workers across Brazil, providing entertainment services for various public venues, private parties, and community events throughout the festive season. ## Economic and Social Roles Many graduates are retirees who utilize the training to earn supplemental income during the Christmas period. These performers are frequently hired by shopping centers, hospitals, and private event organizers. The professionalization of the role allows these individuals to provide high-quality experiences while securing financial benefits during their post-retirement years in Brazil. ## Returning Alumni Participation The program encourages continuous improvement, as evidenced by graduates who return for additional certification. For instance, lorry driver Marinezio Teixeira de Oliveira is among those who have sought a second certificate. This trend suggests that participants value the ongoing education and the community aspect fostered by the school's long-standing training structure. ## Cultural Significance of Training The graduation at Christ the Redeemer highlights the cultural importance of holiday traditions in Brazil. By combining professional acting techniques with charitable or commercial performance, the school ensures that the character of Santa Claus remains a vibrant part of the local social fabric, bridging generations through carefully curated and practiced holiday performances. ## Sources covering this story - http://www.africanews.com/2026/11/04/brazil-santa-claus-school-celebrates-graduation-at-christ-the-redeemer/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._