SantaCon was originally a harmless prank party that brought together like-minded individuals with a taste for chaos and anarchy. It all started in 1994 when Rob Schmitt, a member of the Cacophony Society, hatched the idea to organize a one-off event featuring Santas in San Francisco. The initial concept was more about pushing boundaries than drinking too much - or so it seemed.
Schmitt recalled seeing a postcard of dogs playing pool and joking that they should do something similar with Santas. However, the actual first SantaCon was far from tame. It featured 38 Santas, most of whom got on a Ferris wheel at a carnival, leaving everyone in stitches. The event's novelty factor was undeniable, and it created a sense of disruption among passersby.
However, as time went by, things took a drastic turn for the worse. The rise of commercialism and mass participation led to the transformation of what was once a harmless prank into a rowdy bar crawl. Today's SantaCon is often synonymous with debauchery, petty crime, and excessive drinking - not exactly the original intention.
According to John Law, one of the key figures involved in the early days of SantaCon, the event was never about making money or seeking fame. It was about creating a sense of community and allowing people to express themselves freely. "It's like a safety valve for societies," Law explained. "A way for people to release their energy and have fun without worrying about consequences."
However, as the years went by, SantaCon's creators grew disillusioned with its evolution into something it no longer recognized. Rob Schmitt, who initially spearheaded the event, noted that people had lost sight of what was once a pure expression of creativity and rebellion.
Today, SantaCon remains an enigmatic phenomenon that defies easy categorization. While it has become synonymous with partying and debauchery in some circles, its origins and original intent are far more complex and nuanced.
Seth Porges, the director of the documentary about early SantaCons, noted that one of the most striking aspects of these events was their connection to a lost era of New York - an era characterized by a sense of openness and freedom. "It's like people were running through the streets without looking at their phones," he recalled. "They were just living in the moment."
As for how SantaCon has managed to endure despite its transformation, Porges offered some insight: "I think it's because there's always going to be a hunger for experiences that allow us to let go and be anonymous. It's like people are craving the freedom to express themselves without worrying about judgment or repercussions."
Schmitt recalled seeing a postcard of dogs playing pool and joking that they should do something similar with Santas. However, the actual first SantaCon was far from tame. It featured 38 Santas, most of whom got on a Ferris wheel at a carnival, leaving everyone in stitches. The event's novelty factor was undeniable, and it created a sense of disruption among passersby.
However, as time went by, things took a drastic turn for the worse. The rise of commercialism and mass participation led to the transformation of what was once a harmless prank into a rowdy bar crawl. Today's SantaCon is often synonymous with debauchery, petty crime, and excessive drinking - not exactly the original intention.
According to John Law, one of the key figures involved in the early days of SantaCon, the event was never about making money or seeking fame. It was about creating a sense of community and allowing people to express themselves freely. "It's like a safety valve for societies," Law explained. "A way for people to release their energy and have fun without worrying about consequences."
However, as the years went by, SantaCon's creators grew disillusioned with its evolution into something it no longer recognized. Rob Schmitt, who initially spearheaded the event, noted that people had lost sight of what was once a pure expression of creativity and rebellion.
Today, SantaCon remains an enigmatic phenomenon that defies easy categorization. While it has become synonymous with partying and debauchery in some circles, its origins and original intent are far more complex and nuanced.
Seth Porges, the director of the documentary about early SantaCons, noted that one of the most striking aspects of these events was their connection to a lost era of New York - an era characterized by a sense of openness and freedom. "It's like people were running through the streets without looking at their phones," he recalled. "They were just living in the moment."
As for how SantaCon has managed to endure despite its transformation, Porges offered some insight: "I think it's because there's always going to be a hunger for experiences that allow us to let go and be anonymous. It's like people are craving the freedom to express themselves without worrying about judgment or repercussions."
I'm still in awe of how SantaCon went from being this fun, quirky party that brought people together to something more... let's say, wild 
. It's crazy how something that started with the intention of creating a sense of community and self-expression has become so commercialized 
. But you know what? I think that's part of its enduring appeal - it's like people are craving these experiences where they can let loose and be anonymous 
. The idea of SantaCon being a "safety valve" for societies is so relatable, especially in today's world where we're all feeling the pressure to present this perfect online persona 
. It's like, remember when you could just show up as yourself without fear of judgment? 
Those were the days! Anyway, I'm curious - do you guys still participate in or enjoy SantaCon events? 
, from its origins as a harmless prank party to what it is now - a rowdy bar crawl with excessive drinking & petty crime. I'm not saying it's all bad, but it's crazy how something that started as a way to let people release their energy & have fun without consequences has devolved into that 
. It just goes to show that when we're not careful, our passions can get hijacked by commercialism & greed 
. I wish they'd find a way to bring back the sense of community & creativity that it once had 
.
. I mean, back in the day it was supposed to be a prank party with a sense of community and rebellion, but now it's just a rowdy bar crawl where people are more worried about getting drunk than having any real fun 
. The whole thing has lost its edge, if you ask me.
. I remember seeing pictures of old SantaCons and it was just a bunch of people having a good time without all the chaos and destruction that comes with it today 
.
. At least those are still a little bit underground 
.
️ It's crazy how it went from being these tiny, underground parties with a specific vibe to this massive thing that people either love or hate. 
The original intent was really cool - creating a sense of community and freedom, you know? But now it just seems like one big party...where is the creativity and rebellion? 
I don't think they'll ever recapture that feeling, but it's still interesting to see how people respond to these kinds of events. 
I feel like SantaCon has lost its magic, you know? It's all just a big mess now. Back in the day, it was cool that they were pushing boundaries and having fun with the concept of Santa, but now it's just a bunch of people getting drunk and rowdy 