The Christmas tree arrived at the Rockefeller Center in New York: it will be lit on December 4

When the Christmas tree came Rockefeller Center This is one of the most anticipated times of every year-end in a city New Yorkmarking the beginning of the Christmas season. This year, the iconic Norway spruce, 22.5 meters tall and weighing 11 tonnes, arrived at dawn on Saturday at Manhattan in the middle of the city. Transported in a special truck from West Stockbridge, Massachusettshe traveled nearly 225 kilometers to reach his destination.

There, a crane placed it in its final position in front of the iconic Rockefeller center, amid applause and enthusiasm from those who gathered to see the installation.

Since 1931, when a small group of Italian workers built a Christmas tree at the construction site of the Rockefeller Center in New Yorkthis has become one of the most anticipated and celebrated Christmas traditions in town. At that time, in the middle of hard times Great depressionthe workers decorated the giant with garlands and homemade products, highlighting a symbol of hope in times of tension.

This move led to a tradition that, over the years, became one of the main events of the Christmas season in the city, attracting millions of visitors each year.

From that first tree until today, the light of the tree is Rockefeller Center has evolved into a major nationally televised spectacle that officially marks the start of the Christmas holiday in the A big apple.

This year, the tree was donated by the Albert family from West Stockbridge, Massachusetts. (REUTERS/David ‘Dee’ Delgado)

This year’s Christmas tree is very beautiful Norwegian spruce about 70 years old. This beautiful symbol was provided by the Albert’s familyfrom the beginning West Stockbridge, Massachusettstown located 225 kilometers from New York. This is the first time in 65 years that a tree from the state has become the main character in the New York tradition, as the last pine tree in this area is decorated. Rockefeller Center in 1959.

People watch the installation of the Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center in New York (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)

The light ceremony will be held on December 4, and it is an event that will attract thousands of viewers on site and millions through its live broadcast across the country. On this special night, renowned artists usually offer musical performances in a show full of tradition and emotion. The lighting of the tree not only marks the official start of the Christmas season in New York, but it also symbolizes the Christmas spirit that spreads throughout the city during these holidays.

A doorman hands out Christmas tree branches to people as it sets up at Rockefeller Center in New York City (REUTERS/David ‘Dee’ Delgado)

Every year, the tree Rockefeller Center It has been transformed into a special light show, decorated to shine in the city centre. This 2024, Norway spruce will be packed with more than 50,000 multi-colored LED lightsdistributed over eight kilometers of luminous cable, a process that takes days of preparation and adjustment.

The heart of the decoration is the impressive star that crowns the tree, designed by the famous brand Swarovski. This star, which shines with the radiance of three million crystalsadding a special touch of splendor and luxury, capturing the light of the city and showing it in all directions.

A crane lifts the Christmas tree that this year decorates Rockefeller Center, in New York (REUTERS/David ‘Dee’ Delgado)

After the Christmas season, a majestic Christmas tree Rockefeller Center gets a new purpose that symbolizes generosity and stability. When it is dismantled in January, the pine tree will be donated to the group Habitat for Humanitywhere it is turned into recycled wood to build homes for families in need.

This gesture of solidarity allows the tree, which has been a symbol of joy and celebration in the city, to extend its impact on the lives of people looking for a safe and affordable home. .