Just in Time for the Holidays, Pancho Clos is Coming to Lubbock
Everyone knows about Santa Claus but most people don't know about a classic West Texas take that started in the Hub City, and his name is Pancho Clos. For more than 50 years Pancho Clos has been coming to Lubbock to help Santa Claus during this busy holiday season. Pancho Clos is portrayed wearing a sombrero and serape while also wearing an outfit similar to Santa Claus.
The tradition of Pancho Clos began in 1971 after the idea was presented to the Lubbock American GI Forum by Bidal Aguero, Agustin T. Medina Sr., and Jesse Reyes. Churches in Lubbock began inviting Pancho Clos to their congregations to help bring some extra holiday cheer and soon after Pancho Clos appeared in San Antonio and then around different parts of Texas.
Pancho Clos will be listening to every child's Christmas wish and will gift every child a small bag of candy and fruit. Bags of fruit and candy were traditionally given as gifts in Mexico and Mexican American households in the early 1900's because they were seen as practical gifts during a time when children had to either go to school or work.
Children under the age of 12 will also have the opportunity to receive a free toy and there will be free hotdogs available to everyone in attendance, while supplies last. Pancho Clos will be at the Maggie Trejo Center Saturday, December 10, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. this event is free to the public.