He is Argentinian, lives in the only Christmas city in the world and tells what it is like to work in the official home of Santa Claus

There are only a few days left until the boys write the letter Santa Clause. The illusion is renewed every time December 8 Together with the assembly Christmas tree And the excitement of preparing a gift list.

What very few people know is that there is a postal address to send these letters, and it is in the Finnish city of Rovaniemi. There is the The official home of Santa ClausWhich has become the main attraction of a picturesque tourist village that looks as if it was straight out of a fairy tale.

Among the elves, reindeer, gingerbread men and snowmen he also lives Nahuel Rios (39), the only Argentinean working in this wonderful tourist complex where guests have to make reservations two years in advance.

“Not everyone has the right to come to this place in Lapland where Accommodation starts from 600 euros In the last night and days we had Wind chill -37°C“The strong winds and snowfall are impressive,” explained Nahuel, who works as a porter in the city. Santa Claus VillageThe Christmas theme park is open all year round and at this time its capacity is “full”.

One of the features of this village, in addition to its wonderful decorations, is that It is crossed by the Arctic CircleIt is a circle of latitude extending to 66°33′45.9″ north of the equator. “It represents the southernmost latitude where the sun can remain continuously below or above the horizon for 24 hours,” Nahuel said of the phenomena, known as the midnight sun in summer and polar night in winter.

“We are now in the stage before what is the polar night. That’s why I say that December is not the best time to come, other than what this festive month means all over the world. The sun cannot be seen almost all day Snowfall becomes heavy until February. “What there are are the northern lights,” Nahuel described this astronomical spectacle that occurs when charged particles from the solar wind collide with the Earth’s atmosphere, causing the emission of light.

Santa Claus’s house is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. With his distinctive white belly and beard, he waits for the boys sitting in front of his huge, polished and shiny wooden desk, accompanied by the elves. “It is forbidden to enter with cell phones or video cameras because they will then sell you those materials for $50,” Nahuel said. In addition to taking the traditional photo, there are many who take the opportunity to leave their message.

In this regard, Nahuel explained: “Millions of messages arrive from all over the world, even from Argentina, There are people designated to respond to it in the same language in which it was written. A postcard with the official stamp is sent to them.

Visitors can also tour the cabin of Mrs. Claus, Santa’s adorable wife, where they are invited to mingle with the gnomes, sing Christmas carols and bake and decorate gingerbread cookies.

Activities permitted by the polar climate include ice skating, diving in ice saunas in the middle of the forest, going on sleigh rides with Siberian huskies or reindeer, going on motorcycle safaris or walking on trails leading to the slopes. The Raudanjoki River and the Vaattunkiköngäs and Vikaköngäs Waterfalls cross the area. “These trails are also accessible in winter. Hikers can slide on skis or snowshoes,” Nahuel said.

The restaurant snow, Coffee Encellome And the ice bar Snowman’s world It is the busiest gastronomic establishment in the village, consisting of more than 24 establishments serving different types of food: from hamburgers and Asian cuisine to Scandinavian delicacies made from reindeer meat.

In total they are 280 cabinsWhere Lapland traditions, modern comfort and the pure nature of the Arctic Circle meet. The tourist can choose between three options. The cheapest ones consist of 44 square meters with kitchenette, dining room, loft on the top floor and private sauna on the balcony. Some of them have a wonderful fireplace, a large kitchen, and glass walls and ceilings, while the premium apartments have an area of ​​320 square meters with a distinctive location, view and environment.

“Santa Claus Village provides accommodation only. The rest must be paid by the tourist.explained Nahuel, who in high season also maintains and cleans the cabins.

Nahuel has lived in Finland since 2016 with his Finnish partner, Kati, whom he met in Buenos Aires. Before settling in Rovaniemi, he lived in Helsinki and Finnmark, on the border with Norway.

Although it highlights the high standard of living, solidarity between people and the fight against inequality, it acknowledges that ““People are quite closed off and shy about being in a relationship and don’t usually make time to foster a social life.”. He says that they like solitude and silence, and that they respect rules and work very much.

“There are no poor people here, we are all middle class. You will not find anyone who does not make ends meet. People are not making a problem about this issue,” emphasized Nahuel, who shares part of his routine on his Instagram account @landingdos.

Your work day at the theme park begins at 8:30 a.m. and ends at 4:30 p.m. The Argentine, who receives a salary of $100 million, admitted: “Now that we are in peak season, I benefit from overtime.” 17 euros per hour. This allows you Earn between 3,000 and 5,000 euros per month.

He said: “I started with a semi-annual contract on November 1, with the possibility of renewing it.” However, he is not entirely convinced to continue as the salary was cut to 5 in the off-season.

Nahuel confirmed this Saving 95% of income Which he generates because he doesn’t have to pay rent or food. His goal is to be able to return to Buenos Aires, but not permanently: “My idea is to spend six months in Finland and six months in Argentina. Enjoy the season here, earn Euros, and go there to enjoy family and friends.

“I’ve blasphemed it a lot. The people, culture, language, climate, and food are not an ecosystem for everyone. If you asked me which country I would choose, I will stay with Argentina. I came here only for economic reasons and I hope that one day this situation will be reversed,” he concluded, hoping to settle back into his payments in the suburbs, and more specifically in Pilar.