It started on a whim.
We were invited to head out to Santa Con (also known as Santa Rampage) with our dearest friends J&J a few years ago. They are probably some of the only people I know that I would consider more random, more spontaneous, and more whimsical than we are.
I think that is why we like them so much!
But it has turned into a yearly ritual. While I may not be the biggest fan of Christmas (OH GOD THE PRESSURE!), I do enjoy a healthy dose of a silly pub crawl with hundreds of other people dressed as Santa or other Christmas goodies. In this case, J&J were a snowflake and a gingerbread man. Shaun and I went for the more traditional Santa and sexier Mrs. Claus.
There has been a huge change though. Austin not only is growing at an alarming rate, but the people who originally started the movement here are having to compete with the newer “hipper” crowd of.. well… hipsters.
So we are now divided.
The new-school Santa Con-ers head to east 6th – the haven of trendy bars with people in skinny jeans and black rimmed glasses. The old-school Austinite crowd sticks to tradition – getting our groove on at the gay bars on 4th street. Both parties end on the main strip of 6th (known as dirty 6th) where you end the night partying.
I don’t approve the split and I’ll be damned if I separate from my old school Austinite ways.
It was epic. Not only do gay bars play the best dancer music ever (EVER!), but I got the opportunity to take some rockin’ pics of my friends ripping up the dance floor.
So what is ahead for us with the split in Santa Cons? Only time will tell… but as long as the old group is going strong, I’ll be shakin’ my booty in the Warehouse District.
Oh my God this looks like so much fun! I was going to do the Santa Run in Auckland while I’m here (similar….less alcohol, more…running)but missed entering.
This seems like …everyone is hold on for more fun… I am feeling more exaggerated for my party after watching your snaps. Thanks
Muy genial!! yo quiero la correa de santa!!! 🙁
How much fun!!!
One of my favorite things in the world! Although I don’t want the running part. More booze please!
<3 <3 <3 Start one in Colombia!
Thanks for bringing me back to NY! I lived there 2 lives ago, for almost four years. Mostly familiar with East Hampton/Bridgehampton, Long Island, but we’d get out to the city once every few months. Your bagel pic totally brought me back, nothing like the taste of an authentic NY everything bagel with veggie spread. I’m SO glad things have worked out for you guys! Looks like your hard work and perseverance have paid off!
Oops! Commented on the wrong post! Haha how foolish of me….just got caught up in reading your posts. Hehe
Santacon is actually an international event that was held in at least 37 countries this year! But it’s great fun no matter which one you go to. I’ve been attending the NYC one for 5 years now. It’s interesting to me to see what it’s like in other cities like Austin. If you get the chance, perhaps you can check out my recent post about the NYC edition of Santacon:
http://hbombkaraoke.com/2012/12/19/santacon-2012-a-photo-and-video-essay/
It’s obviously a lot larger in New York — the participation is measured in thousands (and possibly tens of thousands) rather than hundreds . . .
So fun! I don’t know that we do any Santa Con events in Ohio, but I should probably look into it in the future!
You know, I wouldn’t trade my life for anything in the world. I’m so happy that things are falling in place for us and I’m curious to see where it will go.
Haha! But NY is huge in comparison to Austin so you have to give us a bit of credit. Thanks for the link, maybe we can party together at a Santa Con in the future!
I bet there are. You just have to go look for them… Or I’m with you- start your own!
This one is really a big big big happiness found on a single page 🙂
Right?!