Santa Claus and Grandfather Frost in the amusement park: anthropology of an attraction The appearance of Santa Claus and Grandfather Frost in amusement parks (thematic parks such as Disneyland, "Happy Hills" or "Dream Island") is not just seasonal decoration, but a complex process of cultural adaptation of mythological characters to the space of mass, commercial leisure. Here they cease to be home magicians and become key elements of the experience industry,服从 to its laws. Transformation of functions: from giver to attraction In a home or shopping and entertainment environment (shopping centers), the main function is communicative and ritualistic: listen to a wish, take a photo, hand over a gift. In an amusement park, this function is supplemented and transformed. Function of "live decoration" and navigator. Santa/Grandfather Frost is integrated into the general thematic zoning of the park. He does not just sit in a cabin, but can move along a certain route (parade, procession), becoming a mobile point of attraction and a landmark. His appearance creates an atmospheric immersive effect, enhancing immersion in the "winter fairy tale" even in a warm climate. Character-actor in a scenario show. In the park, he becomes part of a staged performance with a plot. For example, the show "Rescue Christmas," where Grandfather Frost, together with the park heroes, stands against evil forces (Kikimora, the Snow Queen). This turns him from a static symbol into a protagonist of dynamic action, which corresponds to the genre laws of the park. Object of pilgrimage. The cabin or throne of Santa/Grandfather Frost becomes the culmination point of the route through the festively decorated zone of the park. Visiting and photo sessions with him are an obligatory ritual, a quest goal for a family. This is a marketing move that increases the guest's stay in the park and creates unique content for social networks. Scientific approach to "magic": experience engineering The work of Santa Claus ... Read more