POSTED: Tuesday December 9th 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

RIO DE JANEIRO CELEBRATES CHRISTMAS IN CITY’S ICONIC LOCATION

The world’s largest floating Christmas tree was recently inaugurated in the iconic Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon, one of Rio 2016’s planned Olympic venues

Rio de Janeiro, 9 December 2008: The spirit of Christmas is already being felt in Rio   de Janeiro. Every year Brazilian and foreign visitors line up on the shores of the Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas to admire the world’s largest floating Christmas tree, towering above the crowd at 85 meters. One of Rio’s most beautiful natural icons, the Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon is an important part of the city’s bid to host the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games, with plans to use it as a venue to stage the rowing and flat water canoe/kayak.

The inaugural lighting of the tree brought together thousands of families and various sports personalities, including ex-footballer Zico, and political leaders such as Mayor-Elect Eduardo Paes and Governor Sérgio Cabral. “The Rio de Janeiro Christmas tree no longer belongs solely to the city and Brazil. It is becoming famous around the world, which is evident by the significant attendance of cariocas and tourists this year at the inauguration. People come here with their families and loved ones to mark the occasion and we feel that this demonstrates the spirit of our great events. I am sure that the atmosphere will be similarly unique and representative of our passion and diversity should Rio be selected to host the 2016 Olympic Games,” said Governor Cabral.

This year, the tree has delighted returning spectators with various new features including fireworks and music during the inaugural lighting ceremony. Brothers Marcos and Paulo Sérgio Valle, renowned Bossa Nova composers, created music that will play every day along with other festive compositions. “I come here each year to see the tree and its inaugural lighting and believe that events like these, which bring everybody together in a spirit of peaceful celebration, are very good for the city and illustrate our passion and ability to manage large events.” said Vinícius Meldar, one of the city’s residents who would love to welcome the 2016 Games in Rio.

Since 2006 the Lagoa Christmas tree, sponsored by Bradesco Seguros e Previdência, has been powered by biodiesel-fueled generators. This year, the carbon dioxide (CO²) emissions generated during its assembly, exhibition and dismantling will be offset by tree planting. An electronic set of bells – imported from Italy and similar to those used at Saint Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican – are also installed within the tree’s structure to play Christmas carols recorded in Italy.

# # #

Keywords · Rio 2016 · Olympic Bid · Christmas tree

Name: Elisa Lopez
Organization: Rio 2016 Olympic Bid
Email:
Phone: +55(21) 3433-5827
URL: http://www.rio2016.org.br/en/

Please refer all questions to the company listed above issuing the press release. SFC will not be able to assist you with any inquiries and disclaims any content in these press releases.