Thousands of Santas stage Madrid charity run for volcano-hit La Palma
December 19, 2021
MADRID (Reuters) – Thousands of people dressed as Santa Claus
took part in a charity run through Madrid on Sunday to raise money for
people affected by a three-month volcanic eruption on the Spanish island
of La Palma.
Decked out in classic red and white outfits, the runners set off in a
flurry of fake snow along the Paseo de la Castellana, a major boulevard
through the city centre.
Some runners swapped Santa’s traditional red trousers for more sporty
shorts, while many wore face masks as a coronavirus precaution.
“You have to try to be careful, especially close to Christmas,” said
Teresa, taking part with her colleagues, who were all wearing face
masks.
Thousands of people have been evacuated, at least 2,910 buildings
have been destroyed and banana plantations have been devastated on La
Palma, an island in the Canaries. The Cumbre Vieja volcano began spewing
streams of molten lava in September, but scientists said last week the
eruption could be coming to an end.