Santa Cruz de Tenerife is aiming to establish itself as a festive landmark in Spain with the installation of the largest Christmas tree in the country, towering at 50 metres. This decorative feature, which will be an illuminated structure, will be situated in the lake at Plaza de España, necessitating its emptying to ensure electrical safety. The Councillor for Public Services, Carlos Tarife, emphasised that this initiative will be “the great novelty of Christmas” and added, with a hint of irony, that “even the mayor of Vigo will want to travel to see the best lighting in the nation.”
The announcement occurred during the unveiling of the Public Services Budget for this year, which totals 13 million euros. Of this amount, 637,250 euros will be allocated for enhancements in public lighting and fountains, including 30,000 euros specifically for the implementation of Christmas lighting.
Enhancements in public infrastructure and urban lighting
Alongside the new Christmas tree, Tarife elucidated that other projects aimed at urban infrastructure enhancement will be carried out. These include modernisation works on the hydraulic and electrical systems at Plaza de España, which will feature an LED lighting system capable of both internal and external colour changes.
Moreover, the City Council will invest 186,000 euros to improve lighting at pedestrian crossings along La Rambla de Santa Cruz and 29,000 euros in other significant areas such as Francisco La Roche Avenue, Weyler, and Méndez Núñez Square. Additionally, interventions will be made on Constitution Avenue, and electric vehicle charging points will be upgraded.
In the La Salud neighbourhood, 133,000 euros will be earmarked for revamping the lighting on Adeje Street, alongside an investment exceeding 217,000 euros for the replacement of fixtures in substandard condition across various locations.
Other notable interventions
Among the projects lined up is the enhancement of lighting on the Valseco court, the installation of lighting along the court’s pathway adjacent to the Galcerán bridge, and the establishment of public lighting on San Martín Street following its renovation. Improvements will also be made in the access areas of the La Alegría neighbourhood and on Álvarez de Lugo Street from La Rambla.
Renovation of Urban Fountains
Lastly, the councillor announced the refurbishment of the fountains located in the extension of Ramón y Cajal Street and in Weyler Square, which will receive upgrades to their lighting. The budget for these enhancements will be 25,000 euros.
Through these initiatives, Santa Cruz aspires not only to beautify the city but also to modernise its infrastructure, attracting both locals and visitors during the festive season and throughout the rest of the year.
