Quicktime movie (2.5 MB)
This is SantaCon. Influenced by the surrealist movement, Discordianism, and other subversive art currents, the 'Con artists celebrate the Yule season in a distinctly anti-commercial manner, by mixing guerilla street theatre, pranksterism, and public drunkenness. The idea is to gather a mob of as many willing people to dress in cheap Santa Claus costumes and perform publicly on the streets and in bars. Also known as Santarchy, Santa Rampages and the Red Menace, SantaCon events are noted for bawdy and harmless behavior, including the singing of naughty Christmas carols, and the passing out of adult-oriented gifts such as condoms to adults. Many participants bring small gifts that would be suitable for children. It is seen by some as a postmodern revival of Saturnalia. It is also a precursor of the flash mob. NO ELVES!