Last August, the Santa Cruz de Tenerife City Council announced plans to host the largest Christmas tree in Spain. This was intended to rival Vigo, although that will ultimately not be the case.
The Councillor for Public Services, Carlos Tarife, asserted that this year the island’s capital would feature a Christmas tree standing 50 metres tall, with a rental cost of €100,000. He even claimed that “the mayor of Vigo will have to come to Santa Cruz to see the best lighting in the country.”
However, less than a month later, circumstances appear to have changed. Tarife himself has backtracked in statements to Cadena Ser, saying: “It will be large and beautiful, around 30 metres tall, but it won’t cost €100,000; we are talking about an investment of approximately €43,000.”
Nonetheless, the Christmas tree will still be located in its original spot, the lake at Plaza de España.
The Mayor, José Manuel Bermúdez, explained at the time that “Santa Cruz has been striving for years to be a Christmas reference in the Canary Islands, and that is why we work well in advance to ensure everything is ready in time and properly.” He emphasised that “the Christmas lighting not only enhances urban aesthetics but also stimulates commerce, hospitality, and local tourism.”
