We have all seen Santa Claus on a motorcycle, it is a norm each Holiday Season for us bikers to see some form of Santa Biker Claus. But who has seen a Sea of Santa on Motorcycles? The Papanoelada Barcelona is the Sea of Santas on Motorcycles that you would like to see, but what is it? Well, the Papanoelada Barcelona Helps Bring Toys to All the Little Girls and Boys. AMERiders brings you the story.
For the sixth consecutive year, Unlimited Racing Bikes in Barcelona, Spain organized its annual Papanoelada Barcelona event. Exact numbers are unclear, but in 2018, an estimated 5,000 motorcycles and 7,000 riders participated.
The video above is from someone that is riding in the, and the other (below) is from WKRG, which unfortunately is super quiet. Still, thousands of riders dressed up as Santa rolling through Barcelona on a pre-arranged parade route is a fantastic sight to see this time of year—and, let’s face it, every year. The reason these are only of 2019 is because of the Pandemic the annual Papanoelada Barcelona event has been canceled until 2021.
Naturally, they’re all bringing toys to sick children, and at least one gift per person attending is recommended. Toys and books for children from ages 0 to 14—and especially toys for children under one year of age—were requested, and brought to the Red Cross for distribution to children at local hospitals.
All types of motorcycles are welcome at this event every year, as long as everything is properly licensed and registered. Scooters, choppers, trikes, sportbikes—all you need is a Santa suit, some toys, fuel for the ride, and plenty of good cheer.
Every year, other local businesses help URB pull this off. The 2019 event happened on December 15, 2019, and was scheduled to run from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. As in past years, thousands of bikes showed up to flood the streets of Barcelona with the holiday spirit, so it wouldn’t be a total surprise if the time ran over what was originally scheduled.
Unsurprisingly, not everyone in Barcelona loves this event, so of course, there is some public debate about whether it should continue in the future. Rider solidarity for good causes is generally something we applaud, so here’s hoping a few grinches don’t ruin it for everyone.
This is the comment about 2020’s event and the schedule for next year.
“We are waiting for you at the most beast biker Papanoleada in 2021 (if the Covid virus or the Colau virus leave us), that of Barcelona, the Concentration will be from 2:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., and the start of the parade will be at 5:00 p.m. 30h to 18: 00h. We kindly ask participants to attend the gathering place as early as possible to avoid long lines just before starting the parade, which will last 1 hour and a half and will take us through the city center.”
You can even go here and see pictures of the event. Looking at some of the bikes are really cool.
So, Merry Christmas, Christians; Happy Hanukkah, Jews; Super Solstice, Pagans; Hurray, Human Light Humanists; Joyous Kwanzaa to African Diaspora and to everyone all together — Happy Holidays. See you at the party!
And Have a Wonderful New Year and thanks for making us what we are. We aren’t anything without you.
~And as always…
~Live Free Ride Hard~
~AMERiders
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