WORLD’S LARGEST FLOATING CHRISTMAS TREE

If you are looking for a spectacular sight this holiday season, you might want to visit the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. There, you will find the largest Christmas tree in the world, according to the Guinness World Records. The tree, which stands at 230 meters (755 feet) tall, is made of steel and LED lights and floats on a platform in the Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon. It weighs 542 tons and has a diameter of 86 meters (282 feet) at the base.

history of rios floating christmas tree 02 — *Unique in every way. Rio de Janeiro’s floating Chritsmas trees from years gone by… (Photo 104632419 © Alexandre Paes Leme | Dreamstime.com)*

The history of Rio de Janeiro’s floating Christmas tree

Here in the USA, it happens every year. From sea to shining sea, America’s cities, large and small participate in a grand tradition, beloved by generations. The annual lighting of community Christmas trees.

From Chicago to Houston, Miami to Los Angeles. From Portland Oregon to Portland, Maine.

Worldwide, Christian nations do likewise. London’s tradition is the seasonal centerpiece for Trafalgar Square. Germany? 500 Christmas trees light up the night sky above Berlin’s Kurfürstendamm shopping boulevard.

But in 1996, Rio de Janeiro surprised the world with its own unique take on a city’s Christmas tree celebration.

And whoever floated the idea in the first place deserves a special honor.

The city decided on a novel location, far removed from downtown Rio de Janeiro. They selected the inland lake which separates Ipanema from Jardim Botanicao: Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas.

Unique in every way

tree12 — Fireworks explode around Rio’s Christmas tree during its lighting ceremony at Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon.

The tree was inaugurated on December 4th, 2023, with a dazzling show of fireworks and music. The theme of this year’s tree is “A Gift for the Planet”, and it features decorations inspired by nature and sustainability. The tree also changes colors and patterns every night, creating different scenes that represent the four seasons, the oceans, the forests, and the animals.

The tree is a symbol of hope and joy for the people of Rio de Janeiro, who have faced many challenges in recent years due to the pandemic, social unrest, and economic crisis. The tree also attracts millions of tourists from around the world, who come to admire its beauty and take pictures with it. The tree will remain lit until January 6th, 2024, when it will be dismantled and recycled.

The largest Christmas tree in the world is a remarkable feat of engineering and design, and a testament to the creativity and resilience of the Brazilian people. It is also a reminder of the importance of preserving our environment and celebrating our diversity. If you have a chance to visit Rio de Janeiro this year, don’t miss this amazing attraction that will surely fill your heart with wonder and gratitude.

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