Every December, for ten years, Grégory Spinnato has transformed into Santa Claus to make young and old alike dream in Eckwersheim (Bas-Rhin). A precious ritual.
A landscaper throughout the year, Grégory Spinnato's daily life changes drastically during the winter. This resident of Eckwersheim (Bas-Rhin) becomes one of the most famous characters of all during the month of December: Santa Claus.
For ten years, he has followed the same ritual and prepared for thirty minutes to take on the features of the old man in the red suit.
Once disguised, he goes to Strasbourg and places himself in front of the big stores, on the rue des Orfèvres or on the Place du Château near the cathedral, in other words “where there are the most beautiful decorations in the city”, explains he speaks at the microphone of BFM Alsace.
“It still has its effect”
When he arrives at the foot of the cathedral, he is mobbed by visitors and takes a series of photos. His presence brings joy to children and adults. For some, it's even a first.
“It’s magical, especially for my little girl who will be three years old tomorrow, so it always has an effect, even for us adults,” confides Mouna, a tourist from Paris.
For the youngest, it’s a surprise. “I didn't expect it, I heard his bell and I was surprised,” says Flavien, who came from Belgium.
Shared joys
“It’s really very nice and they are very happy to have seen it, I think they were impatient to see it and to see it soon to bring the gifts”, adds Fanny, resident of the region, about his children.
This joy is shared by Grégory, who feels useful during this holiday season. “It has meaning for them, I know that at the table, when they get together for New Year's Eve, they're going to talk about it and show their camera and I'm going to be at the table with them. And that's incredible” , he explains.
Grégory Spinnato spends his last weekend with his white beard and his big black belt, before resuming his work as a landscaper, after opening the gifts.
Lucas Bauer with Mélanie Hennebique
