Brazilian men graduate from Santa Claus school at Christ the Redeemer

Fifty-five men graduated from the Escola de Papai Noel do Brasil in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, after completing a training program to become professional Santas.

The graduates gathered at the Christ the Redeemer statue to receive their diplomas and a blessing after traveling up the Corcovado mountain railway. The free course lasts one month and teaches students skills including acting, improvisation, posture, and Brazilian Sign Language.

To qualify for the program, men must be at least 50 years old and have naturally white or grey hair and beards. The school was founded in 1993 by actors Limachem Cherem and Conrado Freitas alongside costume designer Fátima Tavares Cherem. Many of the graduates are retirees who plan to work at hospitals, shopping centers, and parties to earn extra money.

While some graduates are new to the trade, others like lorry driver Marinezio Teixeira de Oliveira return to the school to earn a second certificate.