This weekend will see wild bar-hopping antics hit the media for one reason only: all the celebrants will be dressed as Santa Claus. Known as Santacon in some places, the global phenomenon known as Santarchy was launched as a tradition in San Francisco in 1994 by a group called the Suicide Club, a collection of people dedicated to urban adventure and pranks, it has since been adopted by the Cacophony Society who pursue “experiences beyond the pale of mainstream society through subversion, pranks, art, fringe explorations and meaningless madness”. Similar celebrations have been noted in places like Tokyo, Stockholm and Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
What may seem innocent to some is a travesty to those who know and honor the tradition of St. Nicholas.