Josh Gates Explores the Origins of Santa Claus | Expedition Unknown | Discovery

Bari is and has been for centuries a crucial Italian port on the Adriatic Sea,
but since the alleged bones of St. Nicholas arrived here in 1087, it’s also been a holy city.
And as I make my way down into the Old Town, it’s clear I’m not the only pilgrim here—little crowded.
Turns out, St. Nicholas is very popular here.

Once the people of Bari reportedly got their hands on the saint’s remains,
the city set about erecting a building worthy of housing them.
100 years later, in 1197, they finished this: the stunning Basilica of St. Nicholas.
It may seem a little early to go to church,
but this morning, it’s the most popular place in town.

[Music]
[Applause]
[Music]

You know, when we think about celebrating Old St. Nick, we think of, of course, December 25th.
But here in the city of Bari, it is today, the early morning of December 6th, that really matters.
This is the Feast of St. Nicholas, when thousands of people cram into this square to commemorate Nicholas’s death nearly 1700 years ago.

Even at this early hour, it’s a party, with plenty of chances to grab a St. Nick selfie.
Thank you, St. Nick!
You can even say hi to his more modern incarnation—there he is, Santa Claus, everybody!
I found him—not just St. Nick, Santa Claus.

And because it’s Italy, there’s food, and that food is good.
Well, that’s the best hot chocolate I’ve ever had in my entire life, and the best donut.
I’m never leaving this town.

There’s even a Christmas tree lighting that’s verging on a Vegas-style light show.
Christmas trees aren’t directly tied to the historical St. Nick.
Putting greenery inside dates all the way back to ancient Egypt,
and later by various cultures to celebrate the solstice.
But you can thank the Germans for putting entire trees indoors.
They set up Paradise trees around Christmas time, meant to evoke the Garden of Eden.
The practice spread throughout Europe and the world.

Most intense tree lighting ceremony ever!

[Music]
Woo! Merry Christmas!

Once the tree is lit and dawn approaches,
the Basilica doors open and the mood turns reverent.
More than a thousand people file inside for a special mass honoring the saint who became Santa.

[Music]
[Music]

Mass concludes, and the parishioners file out with the church’s statue of St. Nicholas in tow.
From here, it will be paraded through the streets of Bari for all to see.