This year, the Santa Factory is being held for the 20th time, and according to tradition, Joulupukki, the real Finnish Santa Claus, opened the program.
The location of the jubilee 20th Santa Claus Factory exuded a special atmosphere from the first moment of our arrival. The event started with real surprises: even before the opening, the first donor arrived from the bus stop, in the person of an old lady, who contributed to the collection with a package of flour. A few moments later, the next offering arrived, which was a scooter.
While the visitors waited for the official ceremony to begin, the children could choose from a number of exciting programs. Christmas music played while they were treated to video games, foosball and many other fun games.
Even before the opening, the atmosphere of Mikulásgyár refreshed both young and old.
At the opening ceremony, Endre Zsolnai, the main organizer of the Santa Factory, first greeted the participants. He told me that
more than 1,100 volunteers are currently working for the success of Mikulásgyár, and their number is constantly growing. The oldest helper is 88 years old this year.
Endre Zsolnai was also happy to report that this year there is more interest in the event than expected, and that they want to deliver gifts to at least ten thousand children in more than 50 settlements.
He specifically emphasized that the Santa Claus Factory is not supported by any large company, but an unnamed company nevertheless provided quick assistance in securing the power supply in one day, which otherwise would have required approximately two months of work.
Afterwards, Michelle Gulyás, the Olympic champion pentathlon athlete, greeted the children as the sports ambassador of the Santa Factory.
Gulyás Michelle's speech also brought emotional moments, as the athlete also talked about what Christmas means to her and how she finds the true meaning of the holiday in the strength of family and community.
The highlight of the opening was the arrival of Joulupukki, the real Finnish Santa Claus, who was welcomed by the children with great joy. The children can meet him again in the same place on December 6, but he will visit many more places during his stay in Hungary. Petra Koncz, the Hungarian world soccer champion, was also present at the event, who wished health and love from Santa Claus this year. The athlete promoted Godzie, a Hungarian-invented foosball table, on the spot. The little ones could bravely try to beat the soccer world champion.
The Santa Claus Factory already has a lot of joy and surprises in store for visitors. Every day between 10:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m., Mikulásgyár welcomes helpers and gift-givers in Budapest, Nagyszeben tér, to work together for a happy Christmas for children.
Featured image: MTI Photo / Márton Mónus
