A strange incident was captured on video showing two individuals dressed as Father Christmas engaging in a heated argument inside a supermarket.
Spectators were shocked when the two festive characters, resembling the Russian Father Christmas tradition known as Ded Moroz, got into a physical altercation near the produce section. One Santa wore red attire akin to Western Santa Claus, while the other was dressed in white. The confrontation, which occurred at the Megastore supermarket in Baku, Azerbaijan, appeared to stem from a disagreement over distributing Christmas joy to children.
During the scuffle, fruits and a small Christmas tree were knocked over. Despite a security guard’s attempt to intervene, the Santa in red forcefully pushed him aside.
According to reports from the Daily Star, one of the Santas fell but swiftly rejoined the altercation. Eventually, two robust security personnel in black attire stepped in to separate the feuding Santas. A concerned mother swiftly removed her child from the scene to shield them from the conflict.
Witnesses in Baku stated, “Fortunately, no serious injuries occurred.” An observer remarked, “It seemed more like a mafia-style dispute over territory rather than a festive disagreement.”
Authorities later questioned the Santas regarding the public altercation. In line with Soviet-era customs, Ded Moroz delivers presents not on Christmas Eve but a week later, as the New Year approaches.
Contrary to the Western portrayal linked to St. Nicholas, the Russian Santa’s origins trace back to Slavic folklore as a winter spirit with the capacity for both benevolence and, as witnessed in this incident, aggression.
This incident is not the first time a Santa Claus has been involved in a brawl during December. Last year, a Santa street performer was punched by someone dressed as the Grinch, resulting in injuries. The altercation occurred during Christmas festivities in Mexico, leading to chaos. The viral aftermath showed Santa on the ground post-conflict.
The altercation unfolded in front of Christmas shoppers and spectators admiring festive displays in Aguascalientes, Mexico. Concerned onlookers, including many tourists, alerted the authorities, leading to the arrest of both individuals, with the Grinch being handcuffed and taken into custody.
The video of this shocking incident quickly went viral online, garnering hundreds of thousands of views.
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