«It is a moment of celebration that perhaps the city was waiting for more than other years. It’s hard to remember such a crowded square. This means that the lighting of the tree, as well as that of the lights, has fully entered into the expectations of the people of Reggio who want to enjoy a city that becomes more beautiful during Christmas, enriched in its streets in the center, but also in the suburbs because this year it is Christmas everywhere and for everyone.”
With these words Mayor Giuseppe Falcomatà greeted the traditional lighting of the tree in Piazza Duomo on the day of the Immaculate Conception in a magic of lights, music, colors and the embrace of many people from Reggio. An event that officially kicked off the Christmas celebrations in Reggio.
A long afternoon that began with the ribbon cutting at Santa Claus’ house in the Villa Comunale, continued in Piazza Duomo with the music of the Band Fag Quartet, with the choir of children from the “Campanella” boarding school who sang “The Year to Come” . It was the turn of the solemn blessing imparted by the Metropolitan Archbishop Monsignor Fortunato Morrone which gave a spiritual meaning to the celebration.
«It is a Christmas in which the city, thanks to its new tree, is preparing to welcome everyone, because ours is a welcoming city – explained the mayor – “Reggio Christmas city” means welcoming the people of Reggio as in a family, because we are a family, it means welcoming tourists, returning residents of Reggio. It’s Christmas even for those who can’t put one up at home – and then he added – This is the city tree because, unlike other years, we bought it, as happens in families, after suffering for many years and gritting our teeth . Maybe next year it will be enriched with other decorations, with many other experiences that the city will have, with the stories of the people of Reggio, with the love for their city. I hope that the city finds unity around the tree.”
And, after the mayor’s greetings, the culminating moment of the evening came with the countdown, announced by Benvenuto Marra, which marked the lighting of the majestic Christmas tree.
As clarified by the Councilor for Programming Carmelo Romeo: «“Reggio hometown” has many meanings, but above all it means “identity”. A Reggio identity that our city has further rediscovered this evening in this packed square and which confirms the desire to experience Christmas with the family. Reggio is a family. We are happy to have carried out so many initiatives and to have managed to give this wonderful tree to the city at no cost, both for this year and for those to come.” At the end, the performance of the international tenor Aldo Iacopino who interpreted the “Cantique de Noel” and then more music.
Thanks to the great participation recorded, the event in Piazza Duomo on 8 December is confirmed as unmissable for the people of Reggio, who come together to celebrate the start of the Christmas holidays, with the tree which will remain lit up until 6 January, a symbol of hope and community.