La Laguna Kicks Off the Holiday Season with a Spectacular Christmas Lights Ceremony

On Friday evening, La Laguna ushered in the festive season with a breathtaking lighting ceremony that transformed the Plaza del Adelantado into a lively hub of celebration, music, and community spirit. This annual event not only marks the beginning of Christmas festivities but also showcases the rich cultural heritage of the region.

A Celebration of Community and Tradition

The event, aptly themed ‘La Laguna, Star of Christmas’, drew a large crowd of enthusiastic locals and visitors, all eager to partake in this beloved tradition. Among the attendees were Mayor Luis Yeray Gutiérrez and Municipal Services councillor Fran Hernández, both of whom underscored the significance of the ceremony in nurturing community bonds and bolstering local businesses. The lighting ceremony serves as a visual enhancement to the municipality, signaling the onset of weeks filled with cultural activities, family gatherings, and a sense of togetherness that defines the holiday season.

Musical Performances Spark Joy and Festivity

The evening’s festivities commenced with an electrifying musical performance featuring some of the most celebrated Canarian artists, including Miriam Reyes, Chago Melián, Almudena Hernández, and St. Pedro. Their performances, a delightful blend of traditional carols and contemporary Christmas hits, captivated the audience and created an atmosphere brimming with warmth and joy. The crowd enthusiastically joined in, singing along to cherished classics, which culminated in a spirited rendition of “Una sobre el mismo mar.” This lively performance set the perfect tone for the highly anticipated lighting ceremony that followed.

Innovative Lighting Design Captures the Essence of the Canaries

This year’s lighting design is a stunning tribute to the celestial beauty of the Canary Islands, featuring over 3,500 decorative motifs and an impressive 6 million energy-efficient LED lights. The new installations include nearly 400 unique decorative items, all meticulously crafted to enhance the festive atmosphere. A highlight of the display is the ‘Light Among the Branches’ project, which employs cutting-edge laser mapping technology to illuminate the trees in Plaza del Adelantado. This innovative approach seamlessly merges technology with nature, resulting in a visually captivating experience for all attendees.

Dedication to Sustainable Practices

The iconic arch on Bishop Rey Redondo Street, a hallmark of La Laguna’s Christmas celebrations, has undergone a complete redesign for this year’s festivities. Councillor Fran Hernández reiterated the municipality’s strong commitment to sustainability, emphasizing efforts to reuse and redesign previous decorations while adopting energy-efficient practices. The motto for this year’s campaign, “nothing is lost, everything is transformed,” encapsulates this dedication to environmentally conscious holiday celebrations, ensuring that the festive spirit does not come at the expense of the planet.

Boosting Local Economic Activity Through Festivities

Beyond the enchanting lights, the event aims to invigorate the local economy by encouraging residents and visitors to explore the beautifully illuminated streets, indulge in local dining options, and shop at nearby businesses. Following the main event, La Laguna has planned additional celebrations in various neighborhoods, including Taco and La Cuesta on December 1, Valle de Guerra and Tejina on December 3, and Punta del Hidalgo and Bajamar on December 5. These neighborhood festivities will allow each area to embrace the Christmas spirit, fostering a sense of unity and celebration throughout the municipality.

As La Laguna embarks on this festive season, it reaffirms its status as a premier Christmas destination in the Canary Islands. The blend of tradition, modernity, and community engagement not only enhances the holiday experience but also strengthens the bonds among residents and visitors alike.

Key points

• La Laguna celebrated the start of Christmas with a lighting ceremony on Friday night.
• The event was themed ‘La Laguna, Star of Christmas’ and featured a large community turnout.
• Mayor Luis Yeray Gutiérrez and Councillor Fran Hernández highlighted the importance of the event for local culture and economy.
• Canarian artists performed traditional and popular Christmas songs during the celebration.
• This year’s lighting design includes over 3,500 decorative motifs and 6 million LED lights.
• The municipality emphasizes sustainability in its holiday decorations, reusing and redesigning past elements.
• Additional celebrations will take place in various neighborhoods throughout December.