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| [PHOTO: Special Arrangements] |
Rio de Janeiro: The 17th Bradesco Seguros Christmas Tree, the world's
tallest floating Christmas tree, according to the Guinness Book of Records, was
inaugurated in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, with a
free major event that included world-renowned Brazilian singers Simone and
Emilio Santiago.
With this year's theme "Christmas Around the
World," the Bradesco Seguros Christmas Tree, now in its 17th consecutive
year, is one of three major events in Rio de Janeiro, after Carnaval and New
Year's Eve. Starting this Sunday, December 2nd (local time), the tree will be lit daily
through January 6, Three Kings Day, when the lights will be turned on for the
last time this edition.
The Tree's unparalleled design will thrill the public with
details marking the changes that occur in each of the four seasons of the year.
The display of lights begins to fall by recreating the falling of tree leaves
common this time of year. Suddenly, the Tree turns completely white thanks to a
falling snow effect representing the countries that celebrate Christmas during
winter.
Spring arrives with colorful flowers in 3D, including a
blooming garden. With the coming of summer, the time when Brazilians celebrate
the date, the Tree takes on a yellowish hue with sun-filled splendor. Then,
colorful balls of different sizes begin appearing on the world's tallest
floating tree, giving life to the Christmas decoration.
For Alexandre Nogueira, the Director of Grupo Bradesco
Seguros, it is a time of intense fulfillment. "It is an immense pleasure
to offer everyone this symbol of Christmas that can move and unite people in
celebration of the most fundamental human values."
The Bradesco Seguros Christmas Tree weighs 542 tons and is
85 meters tall, the equivalent of a 28-story building. The megastructure has
3.3 million miniature lights, 105 kilometers (114,829 yd) of rope lights and
2,100 strobes.