La Laguna shines bright to welcome the festive season. The city is proudly displaying its remarkable Christmas illuminations following an extensive lighting event held on Friday evening, which attracted more than 11,000 attendees, according to estimates from the Local Police.
In the Plaza del Adelantado, in front of the iconic arch of lights on Obispo Rey Redondo Street, the mayor of La Laguna, Luis Yeray Gutiérrez, the Councillor for Municipal Services, Fran Hernández, and the popular singer Edurne were responsible for pulling the lever to illuminate the spirit of the city and the hearts of the local residents. Over 60,000 LED lights combined with 12 kilometres of garlands made this part of the city sparkle.
Luis Yeray Gutiérrez began his speech by reflecting on the recent hardships faced by the Valencian Community, inviting everyone to send their support through “a hug and applause so that they know that La Laguna stands with the people of Valencia.”
“This is a unique, enchanting evening, in a city adorned with completely new and refreshed motifs,” declared the mayor to the press. “We are grateful for the support from the public and for the presence of an exceptional artist. Thanks to the residents, we once again showcase how La Laguna dresses up during Christmas,” said Luis Yeray Gutiérrez, expressing gratitude for the efforts made by all Municipal Services staff, led by his councillor, as well as the team from Effico, the public lighting concessionaire, “ensuring that La Laguna shines like never before and displays its finest image throughout the festive period.”
“La Laguna, a World Heritage city, transforms this Christmas into a true thematic realm of light and happiness. Here, tradition meets modernity to create unforgettable memories and cherished moments for families. This year, more than ever, La Laguna sparkles for everyone,” emphasised Fran Hernández, the Councillor for Municipal Services.
“This collective endeavour not only enhances the city’s beauty but also stimulates the local economy and strengthens our status as a winter tourist destination,” Hernández remarked, encouraging visitors to explore the streets and public areas that have been newly adorned with illuminated features and festive decorations. To enrich this visual journey, Christmas photo spots have been set up in Hermano Ramón and La Concepción squares, inviting the public “to capture this moment and retain a fragment of this magic in their memories.”
Just before the countdown for the lighting, Edurne addressed the large crowd in Plaza del Adelantado and on Obispo Rey Redondo Street, expressing her gratitude to the La Laguna City Council for the invitation. “It is a privilege and an honour to ignite the Christmas lights, which I have heard so much about,” she stated.
Following the lighting, Edurne performed an equally grand concert in the area set up in the car parks of the old market, where the esteemed singer showcased a large portion of her repertoire, including tracks from her eighth studio album, ‘éXtasis’, released this summer.
Over 3,200 luminous features
The Christmas decorations of La Laguna blend innovation with a respect for holiday traditions, featuring over 3,200 luminous elements using LED technology, alongside 300 new additions designed to enhance both the historic centre and various districts, with a focus on vibrant commercial zones.
Some of the main lighting features in the city will commence installation from next week to avoid clashing with the White Night celebrations this Saturday. Among the standout new features is an impressive 20-metre RGB light tunnel in Cathedral Square. Additionally, the traditional arch of lights on Obispo Rey Redondo Street has been upgraded with four new decorative arches.
The 20 metre high Christmas tree in Plaza del Cristo, the dome in Plaza de la Milagrosa, angel figures, Santa Claus’s sleigh, three charming houses for children, as well as Christmas trees standing 12 and 15 metres tall will also adorn the historic centre, offering a visual treat during the festive evenings.
The streets of Herradores, Dean Palahi, San Juan, along with the usual spots on La Trinidad Avenue, Manuel de Osuna, Juan de Vera, among others, join this network of illuminations that will particularly extend into the commercial areas of the neighbourhoods and municipalities.
