This Santa Delivers Presents in a Lowrider | Local Legends

Pancho Claus is a tradition for Houston's Latin-X community. Since 1981, Richard Reyes has played the part of Pancho Claus - Santa's Tex-Mex cousin - dressing up in a zoot suit and delivering presents in a low-rider to kids around the city. Through a poem and play he wrote, Richard has expanded on the mythology and importance of the character. In his view, Pancho is not a replacement for Santa, but represents community members that pick up the slack when Santa isn't around; something Richard embodies year round as an active volunteer, leader, and organizer in Houston. Richard Reyes, and his alter-ego Pancho Claus, are without a doubt local legends.
Click here to subscribe to VICE: bit.ly/Subscribe-to-VICE
About VICE:
The Definitive Guide To Enlightening Information. From every corner of the planet, our immersive, caustic, ground-breaking and often bizarre stories have changed the way people think about culture, crime, art, parties, fashion, protest, the internet and other subjects that don't even have names yet. Browse the growing library and discover corners of the world you never knew existed. Welcome to VICE.
Connect with VICE:
Check out our full video catalog: bit.ly/VICE-Videos
Videos, daily editorial and more: vice.com
More videos from the VICE network: www. vicevideo
Click here to get the best of VICE daily: bit.ly/1SquZ6v
Like VICE on Facebook: vice
Follow VICE on Twitter: / vice
Follow us on Instagram: / vice
The VICE KZbin Network:
VICE: / vice
MUNCHIES: / munchies
VICE News: / vicenews
VICELAND: / vicelandtv
Broadly: / broadly
Noisey: / noisey
Motherboard: / motherboardtv
VICE Sports: / noc
i-D: / idmagazine
Waypoint: / waypointvice

[@EDERARDO1]

He gave toys to my whole school when I was in fifth grade 22 years ago.

[@FatUncleJoey]

What a guy

[@pepejg7]

Nothing but respect to Og’s like him🙏🏼

[@sirkappalot4616]

He gave me 20 dollars last year to dance on the stage with him and his group

[@arturotorres1922]

Suuuwoop

[@marceltmartinez]

I remember Pancho Claus coming to my elementary school on many occasions during the holidays. He’s a real living legend and respected by kids and OG’s all around the city. 🤘🏽🤘🏽

[@toughtimes6596]

Gotta respect anyone who does something like this! Long live Poncho Claus!

[@billyroland7991]

re-up420.com 🔥🔥🔥

[@abyssmp3]

He died?

[@briananderson9307]

@@billyroland7991 yxgg

[@briananderson9307]

To d

[@briananderson9307]

@@billyroland7991 6cx

[@TheErikjsm]

Wasnt gonna even watch this but man it really lifted my spirits, what a great dude

[@Itsunclegabby]

Keep your head up.

[@judemelroses9920]

Never judge a book by its cover. Pancho Claus is a sweet big hearted blessing.

[@billyroland7991]

re-up420.com 🔥🔥🔥

[@gman913]

I remember Pancho Claus when I was a kid growing up in the Houston Heights. I'm 45 it's great to see he is still at it. He used to visit my elementary school every Christmas.

[@Witeout_LYV]

H8$ !!

[@Jamhael1]

Imagine a kid waking up in Christmas time, sees this dude, and Pancho Claus says: "Ho, Ho, Ho, ese! What do you want, chiquito?"

[@loveinspired7]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@JJRubio713]

This guy has visit every public school I've ever gone to! I remember him bringing us joy since I was a kid!!! My respects man 💯...may God give you many blessed years to come Pancho Clause!!!

[@Lonerd]

This man deserves more donations. He's not doing it for himself, he's doing it for the community. Kudos to Mr. Pancho Claus and to the people whose helping him.

[@chrisw5953]

Came to my class in 3rd grade now I'm 37

[@Itsunclegabby]

That's so wholesome.

[@Homelandz]

Leave cookies and Jose Cuervo shots for him kids

[@Itsunclegabby]

Takis?

[@edgardmartinez6026]

No masa pan guey

[@notforgotten3685]

Whatchu mean, pan dulce con cafe all the way bro

[@fcukyou2_]

Jose cuervo? ¡Qué gringo loco! He's an OG..he only drinks mezcal...

[@chaunybuck6065]

Fun fact: ALL Tequila HAS to be made and imported from Mexico!😂🤣😂

[@ralphlauren3416]

VICE PICK UP HIS STORY,NOW HES REALLY A LEGEND,THANKS PANCHO CLAUS FOR ALL THE TOYS YOU GAVEN OUT..

[@frijolejuice6043]

My teacher always told me to ask pancho Clause, because if you ask Santa clause you’ll never get a present

[@jonasspencer7727]

Thats incredibly racist.

[@frijolejuice6043]

@@jonasspencer7727 how?exactly is that racist?

[@TenTwentyYon]

@@jonasspencer7727 Bruh how??? 😂

[@Honoredmatres69]

@@jonasspencer7727 what a reach

[@dontachito4923]

Your teacher was right. 😂

[@Kate-hh8yi]

It's like his purpose found him. Being handed that script... epic. Love him.

[@joeylatz7611]

What a legend lol

[@willrechardson4363]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/sHTTfp13pb5jhZI 6a

[@aliabdelaziz905]

she said a she saw a “BUM” lmfaooo

[@nawfsidereviews6029]

She calls 'em like she sees 'em. 😂

[@joseescalona8312]

I did catch that 😂 😂

[@SmEiF-]

What would you call him. Words exist for a reason

[@aliabdelaziz905]

@@SmEiF- i would call him Smeif Champman

[@yaearmeow]

She was so quick about it too lol didn't even struggle

[@hellabay510]

Whoever downvoted this story is a sociopath with no heart or soul. Jus' Sayin' Viva Pancho Claus🎅🏽🤶🏽!

[@mr1727]

Houston has so much dope culture. Love seeing this get a story

[@grmpEqweer]

Houston is cool.

[@mackenziekarsonovich1073]

Damn I wish zoot suits were still in fashion cause they look great!! And this guy is the real deal. What a creative, loving dude. You can clearly see what a positive effect this guy has had on everyone he meets.

[@danielhopkings1759]

re-up420.com 🔥🔥🔥

[@shelbyheavens2997]

Weather he thinks he's just an actor who is coming out for Christmas, but I think he's a gift from God doing a service and setting examples of how to give and show compassion in what for so many is a sad time of year. Thankyou and may God Bless you.

[@brenettasherman918]

I remember him from when I was a young girl. For about three years straight my family was invited to the George R Brown convention center for a day filled with love,fun food and toys. Thank you so much sir I'm 40 now I was 10-13

[@thevintagecaro]

Wowwww that’s amazing! 🤍 I got to volunteer at the convention and the TLC area around the years 2012-2016 If I am not mistaken … Major respect

[@DaPeePeePooPooCheck]

What a god damn G... Got nothing but love for people that give back to their community like this man does.

[@gustavoandrade4410]

He lives by my neighborhood

[@mattnunez8660]

He got a dope ass crib?

[@gustavoandrade4410]

@@mattnunez8660 it’s just your typical house

[@mimisvida6264]

Remember him coming to Magnolia Park in Houston and passing out stuffed bears all the kids.

[@josephagentaraiza713]

I’ve know Mr Richard Reyes (Pancho Claus) for Many Years now and He is a LEGEND in the Barrios of our CITY............ CONGRATULATIONS SIR on Making It to VICE!!! #PanchoClaus

[@hfric]

zoot suit Santa ... hell yeah

[@michelofelia7735]

This man deserves life and health

[@ChristianRodriguez-kr6zm]

Respect Raza✌ Merry Christmas to all ..🎄 Be safe, love one another.. Positive vibes😎

[@paulwisdom5383]

Nothing but love for this man and his team. Love from the UK ✌️

[@coconuts5500]

A certified hood classic

[@ArvindSidhu14]

Pancho Claus. He needs a WWE-style theme song whenever he walks around. That is how awesome he is

[@AS-cc8mp]

This is what makes a city a community. Need a lot more people like this in the world.

[@ivanreynoso2214]

I remember patiently waiting every year at my grandma's house in bering street in second ward. You could hear the music and horns then run outside and get a gift from the man himself. I was so poor I ran left my gift home then ran down the next block so I could get a second and he always knew and still gave me a second

[@verynice126]

Bahaha that's cute!

[@ericbinney7635]

This is what a real gangsta looks like mad love and respect for the streets and helping build a community not destroying it and killing over the wrong colors

[@lacyrussell6688]

Everyone could use an uncle like him.

[@davidcardenas3315]

Making Raza proud! Sending much love and respect from LA 🙏

[@maxwellhantz8793]

This a great uplifting video for the holiday this guy is an awesome grandpa it looked like and an awesome person in the world I hope this man stays blessed and is comfortable in life Edit: just seen this was from a year ago still awesome tho

[@MrTonytouchy]

I remember being a child in downtown Houston seeing a lowrider lighted up with Pancho Clause. Awesome representation of the brown folk

[@jeannielikeinabottle]

Merry Christmas to everyone! Especially Pancho Claus!

[@deedeewinfrey3181]

The Lantino Blues Brothers on a mission from god.

[@willrechardson4363]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/sHTTfp13pb5jhZI 60

[@anti1training]

*God And AMEN brother, AMEN!!!🙏🏼❤👑

[@gabrielrojas1806]

Amen God bless you 🙏🏻❤️🙏🏻❤️🙏🏻❤️

[@luisescuadra3184]

Im from lenox st in secondo barrio I remember him as a kid thank you so much for the gifts and for giving the neighborhood gifts one of my many idols as a kid Pancho clause thank you again

[@MrPoolplaya21]

21 dislikes those ppl should receive gifts from Poncho Claus so they can really feel this

[@loveinspired7]

I've never heard of him before, but this is so hilariously wonderful!😂❤ I nearly died when he climbed through that window!😂😂😂😂

[@backpackpepelon3867]

3:44, no bullshit, real talk right there. I can see why lots of people respect him.

[@angelanickens7695]

Every city deserves a Pancho Claus like this one 💗 Feliz navidad!

[@kevindclimbing]

If we all had a caring heart like this man , the world would we a better place . The change starts with you/me.

[@SC-fj2zp]

Like the sled! Thank you panchoclause for the smiles you are putting on these families faces! This takes a special person to do this 👍

[@InTurtleIDEAS09]

Merry Christmas to everyone

[@a.b.8606]

may he be blessed with wonderful life

[@lalamiller9452]

Thank for your helping .. means world to those kids

[@shannon_w.]

Omg I LOVE this man!!!!!! I hope everyone had a good Christmas!

[@FingeringThings]

Pancho Claus > Santa Claus

[@ralphlauren3416]

Atleaste pancho claus is real...lmfaoo

[@willrechardson4363]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/sHTTfp13pb5jhZI 6a

[@officialPROCLUBGOD]

you got to respect old timers that still got love for christmas

[@jeanettekinchelow1852]

What a wonderful Xmas story Salute to Pancho Claus. Much love and respect for ever! Wish you a Merry🎄 Christmas & Happy🎁 New Year 🎶🎆🥳

[@jackmiller1209]

This is what Legends are made of! What a trippy “actor”.

[@ferdiw.9808]

Just awesome what you have achieved with this!! Very inspiring!

[@dwaniscool]

This is beautiful! God bless everyone and Pancho Claus!

[@jordansnorten275]

I needed to see this 🥲😌 Even tho I know it’s always about love and giving back. Still needed a genuine reminder. Merry Xmas and happy 2021 ☝🏽Love

[@livewellwitheds6885]

this is the Christmas spirit. this is why I love Christmas.

[@casebogue6526]

This is awesome the world needs more good men like him

[@robertcollett8073]

Man !! That’s straight up good s**t. If there were more people like you in the world it would be such a better place. Keeping it real 💯!!

[@kevindavidson7097]

That's amazing !!! What a beauty!!! Sending love and respect from Canada 🇨🇦

[@escobarpablos]

This man got a heart that 99% of the world doesn't💯Not saying its a latino thing buttt its a latino thing🤷🏽‍♂️

[@ifaa5755]

Normally a statement like that would irk me but, ngl you Latinos are actually pretty damn nice.

[@brazillionairemma1373]

Ong 🇧🇷🇩🇴🇵🇷🇱🇷🇲🇽🇮🇹

[@billyroland7991]

re-up420.com 🔥🔥🔥

[@brunetteavenger6441]

Well said 🙏❤️

[@10692981]

More like Sancho Claus ....

[@jamiemuray9156]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/sHTTfp13pb5jhZI 60

[@elisamondragon2849]

Hahahaha NOOOOOOO Sancho is the guy women cheats theirs husbands with 😟

[@10692981]

@@elisamondragon2849 exactly! Didn’t you see how easily he climbed through that bathroom window ? That comes with experience 😂

[@elisamondragon2849]

@@10692981 Hahahahaha

[@Itsunclegabby]

@@10692981 Lol!!! Don't you put that disrespect on Poncho's name! 😂

[@chillachilles8132]

In the Second Ward, Santa may not have been real, but that’s ok because Pancho was (and still is!) the realest.

[@oldschoolraver2166]

What a nice person he is . Wish him all the best

[@SHAMEberS]

Ha he passed in front of my house today and chunked me a frisbee! Puro Houston!

[@G4t0c]

Awesome

[@kaya.k.akishore3311]

We neee more people like him. @Vice: We need more stories like this!

[@80hazarkeshoeshain]

This is so wholesome!

[@sirkappalot4616]

I remember last year Pancho claus came to my skool last year and I danced on stage with h and he gave me 20 bucks 🤣❤

[@prod.grandave1698]

Feliz navidad 🎄🇲🇽🎅🏽💯

[@bigmattatx764]

Feliz Navidad

[@MR-dp2zs]

Much Love And RespectTo Pancho Claus and everything he's doing to bring smiles to as many kids as he can in this tough economic time. And especially when nobody gives a damn about our gente.

[@scm903]

Pancho Claus representing Texas! Thank you and all the volunteers who help kids and families! ❤

[@tevinstvalle8704]

Santa hates Pancho for sleeping with Mrs Claus....true story

[@freedomxgarcia]

Sancho clause

[@ghostdtx]

That's SANCHO Claus

[@lgran79]

This guy is awesome! He reminds me a bit of my grandpa

[@aemira77]

Orale much respect OG. Thank you for what you for the community.

[@OffTheJacks]

Never heard of Pancho Claus until now! That is awesome.!

[@sslvsme5763]

This is great, I love everything about this

[@spicysrirachamilkshake8167]

Always loved this dude

[@KingWill333]

Always love anything and anybody who are positive and doing good things...

[@mariajar5506]

You are our hero thank you for all your hard work if it wasnt for you all those kids wouldnt have presents thankyou god bless you for all you done!!! for our communitty!!!

[@jamesgamez4902]

Why did that lady call that guy a bum? Lmaoo love Pancho Clause! Respect!

[@laurent9537]

I met him at Navidad en El Barrio in Houston. Very nice guy! I was there volunteering with my JROTC program

[@bugzworld5578]

GOD Bless This Mans Soul! #Respect

[@GoldGlizzyGang]

Merry Christmas! I hope things went well for Pancho Claus this year!

[@wickedgaming91]

Yeaaaa he presents the true spirit of Houston fuckin love Pancho Claus!!!

[@Bcts45]

I remember him coming by my school and dropping off gifts :)

[@jaronleslie9190]

Heart warming!

[@shaylynnstanhope6439]

Love Pancho clause! Much love from Houston!

[@ramcity2540]

Amazing guy H TOWN. MERRY CHRISTMAS 🎁

[@victoriah4648]

MAD respect for this dude!

[@ablacksquare]

Thanks for sharing this beautiful story.

[@miguelduran2028]

I needed this for X-mas. 🙏🏼🖖🏻 Let’s gooooooo

[@josephalvarado2936]

Was up Richard Reyes I'm glad to see ur doing the same thing. You made a big difference in my life when I was younger.

[@thorocomments817]

This guy’s the best, yo. Salute him!

[@alecfleming373]

Finally, a bad ass VICE article this year!

[@everydayjokes2321]

Christmas joke of the day: Wife: I regret getting you that blender for Christmas. Me: *sipping toast* "Why?"

[@tenoremodernotecnicavecchi2151]

No

[@tokejones9278]

The point of a joke is it has to be funny. Sipping toast or sipping a toast? The delivery needs some work 😯

[@tenoremodernotecnicavecchi2151]

@@tokejones9278 ah, a connoisseur of comedy.

[@devronkally9545]

This is amazing!

[@kenjeshadugui]

Love & respect to Pancho Claus from Harlem...Good hearted dude...