Although the holiday season hasn’t taken the stage yet, they’re those among us who’ve been preparing themselves for paying a visit to children and kind people, bearing interesting gifts…
As for the ”most beautiful city in the world”, there lives a ”Santa” who’s active all year long. You see, Slobodan Ante Ozretić’s physical appearance truly is proof that Santa Claus can be on the move even when the temperatures hit 85+ F, and also, when a thin coat of snow covers Riva or Marmont’s Street.
Slobodan Ante Ozretić has been letting his beard grow for a number of years now, pairing it with Santa’s suit, regardless of the time of year. Once a seafarer, fluent in 6 languages, he left Split to visit almost every nook and cranny of the world. Today, his adventures revolve around putting a smile on people’s faces – tourists and locals alike.
”I’ve been dressing up as Santa Claus and traveling around Croatia for years”. In order for me to take Santa’s role, Slobodan points out, having a hat and suit is not enough. There’s that special something on the inside people notice right away.
Many approach him revealing their wish list, kids often tease him and ask for cars and other things for Christmas, while others get comfortable when talking to him, and ask for a piece of advice.
Numerous people passing Santa by stop to take a picture with him which in turn gives him great pleasure, and also a cent or two because people are willing to repay his kindness.
A couple of months ago when the temperatures were still pretty warm, the Split Santa took a stroll along the Gundulić’s Street, and of course, our photographer couldn’t let that opportunity pass by.
Since the term ‘vacation time’ isn’t in Santa’s vocabulary, we’d like to wish him all the best in his future endeavors.
D. Šabić