The magic of Christmas fills Zaragoza with light, carols and fireworks

As if it were the star of Bethlehem, thousands of Zaragozans, or rather adults and children who have brought out the child within them again, have set their sights on the sky of the Aragonese capital this Friday . Although there is still almost a month to go until the start of the Christmas holidays, the lighting of Christmas has brought magic back to the hearts of all those present ahead of time.

The music, the fireworks and the smiles that even came through the screens of all those mobile phones that wanted to immortalize the moment have been the protagonists. No wonder because for many the Christmas lighting is a ritual. “We come every year with my grandparents. What I like most is seeing how all the lights turn on. They look like stars. And then we always eat waffles together,” said Claudia excitedly.

This year, it was not just the Christmas lights in Zaragoza that looked like stars, but also the entire Amici Musicae choir that gave the event a musical touch. From the Plaza del Pilar itself, but also from the balcony of Zaragoza City Hall and dressed in sparkling tinsel , some of the best voices in the city welcomed Christmas with “All I Want for Christmas Is You” and “Jingle Bell Rock”, among other hits.

Among the audience were people of all ages and many first-timers. “It’s the first time I’ve come, I’ve never seen it before. I only expect magic ,” Ana admitted. A few metres away, a family from Ceuta was attracted by everything they had been told. “We’ve only been living in Zaragoza for a year. Last year I was there for the first time and for me it was spectacular, different from what it is in our land and I decided to bring them so they could enjoy it,” they said.

A MAGICAL LIGHTING

To tell the truth, this 2024 Christmas lighting has not lacked detail. As on previous occasions, the mayor of Zaragoza, Natalia Chueca, has pressed a large red button together with two friendly elves after a countdown that has started Christmas in Zaragoza. The bow that surrounds the Zaragoza City Council like a giant gift has been one of the novelties. Especially after the lighting of its more than 68,000 LED lights that have filled the square with red.

However, perhaps one of the most significant details has been one of those that are seen much less than they are felt. And it is that even in such a special moment, full of joy for many families, the people of Zaragoza have remembered the victims and those affected by the DANA by dedicating a minute of silence to them. Coincidence or not, the Christmas lighting has concluded with the rumble of powerful fireworks and a smell of gunpowder that, why not, also takes our memory to our Valencian brothers.