Thrissur was filled with Christmas spirit on Saturday as more than 15,000 Santa Clauses marched in the grand Buon Natale Christmas procession. The event, a joint effort by the Thrissur Archdiocese and Thrissur Pouravali, lit up the city streets in red and white outfits, spreading joy and goodwill. Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat inaugurated the event. He called Thrissur "not just a place, but an idea." He said, "Thrissur is an idea where faith does not divide, culture does not isolate, and celebration does not exclude." The Minister explained that festivals here are "powerful expressions of shared humanity" and Buon Natale was designed as a celebration with social purpose, not just a carnival. He added, "Celebration is incomplete unless it reaches the most vulnerable. Faith finds its true expression in care and service," describing the event as a "living commitment." The festival featured a theme song by music director Jerry Amaldev and synchronized flash-mob dances by the Santa-clad crowd. Eye-catching tableaux and skating Santas made the scene magical. High-tech surprises included a gift-distributing robot Santa, a flying drone Santa, and AI-powered moving floats created by Jyothi Engineering College students and staff, giving the event a futuristic flavor. Dignitaries including Union Minister of State Suresh Gopi, State Ministers K. Rajan and R. Bindu, Mayor Niji Justin, and church leaders joined the event. Their presence added to the colorful celebration of faith, harmony, and joy. Buon Natale continues to cement Thrissur’s role as Kerala’s cultural capital and a shining example of inclusive celebration.