CATALAO, Brazil — This past weekend, Santa Claus embraced the warm, humid conditions of the Amazon rainforest, traveling via two boats to deliver gifts to children in a village near Manaus, Brazil.

His visit was organized by Amigos do Papai Noel, a charitable organization that has consistently provided presents to the children living in the Amazon rainforest for over 26 years.

Raimunda Ferrera Vieira, a local leader in Catalao, expressed the importance of the event, stating, “For the children of the rivers, the people of the countryside, nothing new happens. This here for us was a gift from God.”

Over 600 children from various nearby villages gathered in Catalao to receive presents from Santa, who donned his classic red suit, white gloves, and nightcap amidst the sweltering jungle temperatures.

To reach the delighted kids, Santa made his way along the Amazon river on a large boat, eventually paddling a canoe through a swampy tributary.

Assisting Santa were dozens of volunteers, who lined up to help unload his boat filled with toys, including stuffed animals, dolls, and soccer balls. Some volunteers even carried Santa to prevent his boots from getting wet, since there was no pier available for him to land on.

According to the Amigos do Papai Noel group, weather conditions have made delivering gifts increasingly challenging.

This year, the water levels in the Amazon and the Rio Negro rivers remain low, which required children to gather in a community where the water was deep enough for Santa’s boat to dock.

Pedro Carvalho Filho, who oversees Amigos do Papai Noel, noted the difficulties faced during this year’s event, stating, “We knew this would be difficult. Usually on this day, we make three deliveries to the riverside communities.”

Nevertheless, the effort made by Santa and the volunteers was seen as worthwhile. Jorge Alberto Moreira, the individual portraying Santa, remarked, “Every child in every community always smiles back. Wherever you go, there’s a smile; it’s a great joy.”