LIMA, Dec 18 (Reuters) – Dressed in a familiar furry green suit, Jeferson Castro is not prowling Lima’s streets to steal Christmas. Instead, he is delivering smiles and hugs from his festive motorcycle taxi, spreading holiday cheer in a city where fear of crime is part of daily life.
From his three-wheeled taxi, outfitted with a plastic sleigh and reindeer, along with twinkling lights, Castro has become a popular local figure. He says the act gives him the courage to ensure that fear doesn’t overshadow the holiday season in Peru’s capital.
“This is my work tool,” Castro said during a stop with passengers. “I wanted to channel my own enthusiasm, and this is the result: a taxi for the people.”
Castro has dubbed his illuminated vehicle the “MotoNoel,” a blend of “moto” (motorcycle) and “Noel” (Christmas). Each day, despite the city’s rising summer temperatures, he dons his Grinch costume before waving goodbye to his young son.
As he drives through the city day and night, the glow of his lights contrasts sharply with the precarious state of some city streets. The Grinch often invites families aboard for a ride, poses for photos, and sparks laughter from passersby.
This cheerful display unfolds against a grim backdrop. Lima has been under a state of emergency since October, a government measure to combat a years-long surge in crime and extortion.
According to a Public Ministry report this month, 134 transport workers in the Lima and Callao area were victims of attacks or extortion between January and November. Of those, 73 were killed, including motorcycle taxi drivers.
“We are definitely living through violent times,” said Jean Paul Cordova, a young man selling Christmas ornaments on the street. “But despite everything that’s happening, Peruvians are resilient people. They take the bad and find the good in it, and from the good, they bring out the best.”
That sentiment is clear on the faces of Castro’s passengers.
“It’s interesting to see the Grinch doing his wonderful, crazy things,” said Carlos Avila, a rider showing the taxi to his young son. “I loved it, mostly for my son, who really enjoyed it.”
(Reporting by Carlos Valdez and Anthony Marina for Reuters TV and Marco Aquino; Writing by Kylie Madry; Editing by Christopher Cushing)
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