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 The Lagoa Christmas Tree, a floating megastructure standing 82 meters tall over the Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, has become a holiday tradition for thousands of tourists visiting the city from all over the world.
Considered the largest floating Christmas Tree in the world by the Guinness Book of Records, the tree has been assembled for 10 straight years, with US$ 1.1 million in funds provided by Grupo Bradesco Seguros e Previdência. Since its opening on Nov. 26, this year, the tree has attracted 80,000 people a day to the area surrounding the lagoon. The tree, the third most important tourist attraction in Rio de Janeiro after Carnaval and Réveillon (end-of-year celebrations), will remain lit until January 6. Close to 600,000 tourists, including 300,000 foreigners, are expected in Rio de Janeiro to participate in Réveillon this year. The Christmas tree is supported by 11 floating steel marine blocks, forming a 810 square meter base bearing the tree's 450-ton weight. 2,228 KVA of power are required to light the tree. Power enough to supply 300 two-bedroom houses. Candles, wheat stalks and Christmas tree balls (traditionally used on Christmas dinner table arrangements) adorns the tree. 2.8 million small lights and 35,000 meters of rope lights are also used. The Christmas tree is 82 meters tall, the equivalent of a 27-story building, and can be seen from anywhere around the Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon. This year, the Christmas tree features water ballet. Every day at 8 pm, spectators will be able to see a show of water in movement, with lighting and color effects. Forty-eight pumps positioned around the tree shoot jets of water 20 meters up into the air. On weekends, the water shows are enhanced by music, and are presented every half hour from 8 pm to 11 pm. The Lagoa Christmas tree is the result of a partnership between the Bradesco Seguros e Previdência Group and the City of Rio de Janeiro. The project (from design to construction, maintenance and final dismantling) involves close to 1,100 workers. Christmas Tree - www.arvorenatalbradescoseguros.com.br
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