San Micurá - Saint Nicholas

Even today, at the beginning of December, San Micurá - Saint Nicholas - goes through the houses to reward the good children and admonish the naughty ones. He is accompanied by the angels who bring gifts and by the Malans - the devils, who frighten children and adults with their bells and chains.

Until a few years ago, if a girl over 14 was in the house, the malans - the devils would come into the house and smear her with soot.

On the more distant farms, where San Micurá - Saint Nicholas could not always come in person, the children would put their shoes out at the front door in the evening and rush excitedly in the morning to see if they had received a small present or perhaps a whip.