This 2020 the coronavirus pandemic has forced the cancellation of the vast majority of Christmas events. However, there are traditions that remain, such as the Christmas lights in Madrid. Every year the streets of the capital are illuminated in a very special way, kicking off the Christmas festivities.
Christmas lights in Madrid: what's new in 2020?
Spanish flag
One of the main novelties of the Christmas lighting in the capital is the Spanish flag. The City Council has installed 1.13 kilometres of yellow and red lights. At a press conference with the Governing Board, Almeida explained that it is a symbol that embraces everyone, so the Spanish flag should be the main feature of the capital’s Christmas lighting. He also argued that this 2020 the need to unite is stronger than ever.
«Megamenina»
A ten-metre high «Menina» has been installed in Plaza de Colón, with 37,000 LED lights to decorate it. It will be one of the emblems of Christmas in Madrid.
Light sphere
The large luminous sphere that premiered in 2019 will be repeated this year at the intersection between Gran Vía and Calle Alcalá. A sphere 12 metres in diameter and with 43,000 LED lights.
Christmas lights in 210 streets of Madrid
Despite the mobility restrictions due to the Covid-19 crisis, Madrid City Council is committed to creating the typical atmosphere of the Christmas holidays. For this reason, it has decided to install Christmas lights in 30 more streets than in 2019.
Christmas plans in Madrid
"Naturaleza Encendida" at the Royal Botanical Garden of Madrid
The Royal Botanical Garden of Madrid has inaugurated the «Naturaleza Encendida» show with more than one million LED lights. It can be visited until 10 January 2021.
A true experience for all the senses, with giant-sized light sculptures, trees, flower paths, animals, the firefly garden, light-emitting sunflowers and the passage of wishes.
Plaza Mayor Christmas Market
Despite the coronavirus, the Christmas Market in the Plaza Mayor will be maintained, although half of the stalls will be set up. As in previous years, the stalls sell jokes, Christmas accessories, nativity scene decorations… A must for young and old alike.
Royal Nativity Scene Casa de Correos
This year the Royal Nativity Scene Casa de Correos is located outdoors so that it can be enjoyed with the necessary safety measures. It can be visited from the last week of November until 6 January, and has more than 400 figures handmade for the occasion.
Source: https://okdiario.com/navidad/cuando-encendido-luces-navidad-madrid-horario-calles-6484314
