Who identified Veliky Ustyug as the birthplace of Santa Claus?

The town of Veliky Ustyug in the Vologda region of Russia is widely considered to be the birthplace of Santa Claus. This is largely due to the fact that the town is home to a character known as Ded Moroz, or “Grandfather Frost”, which is the Russian equivalent of Santa Claus. Ded Moroz is said to live in a grand palace in Veliky Ustyug and is believed to bring presents to children on New Year’s Eve.

The story of Ded Moroz’s connection to Veliky Ustyug dates back to the 17th century when the town was part of the Russian Empire. It is said that a local priest named Father Frost lived in the town and would bring presents to the children on New Year’s Eve. This tradition eventually evolved into the modern-day character of Ded Moroz.

The connection between Veliky Ustyug and Santa Claus has been further strengthened by the fact that the town is home to a large Santa Claus theme park, which is visited by thousands of tourists every year. The park includes a replica of Ded Moroz’s palace, as well as other attractions such as a Santa Claus post office and a snowman village.

In recent years, Veliky Ustyug has become a popular destination for tourists looking to experience the true spirit of Christmas. The town has also been used as a filming location for several Christmas movies, further cementing its status as the birthplace of Santa Claus.