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Hollywood heartthrob Richard Gere delivered exactly what Murcia was hoping for last weekend when he joined children from the Aladina Foundation to light the Great Christmas Tree in Plaza Circular, creating what's being called the most spectacular start to the festive season the city has ever experienced.

 

Thousands packed the Plaza and the surrounding streets to witness the Hollywood actor help kick off Christmas in a ceremony that was equal parts magical, emotional and utterly unforgettable.

 

The evening belonged to the young cancer patients from the Virgen de la Arrixaca Hospital, who were the real stars of the show. Gere stood alongside them as they raised a giant illuminated heart, a symbol of the city's history, towards the star at the top of the Christmas tree. When it reached the highest point, the tree burst into life with a beam of light projected two kilometres high.

 

 

The moment was made all the more special by 3,000 small illuminated trees distributed among the crowd, creating a sea of light that left people visibly moved.

 

Mayor José Ballesta, Aladina Foundation founder Paco Arango and the foundation's director Isthar Espejo accompanied the children throughout the afternoon, with the actor taking time to speak with them all before the main event.

 

The Pretty Woman star’s presence wasn't just a celebrity appearance. The American actor has been a member of the Hogar Sí Foundation since 2015 and his commitment to social causes runs deep. His connection to Spain through his marriage to Spanish activist and businesswoman Alejandra Silva means his involvement felt genuine rather than for show, and the crowd really responded to that warmth.

 

The pyromusical show that accompanied the lighting was absolutely massive with no fewer than 20 RGB lasers, 16 CO2 machines, 20 atmosphere machines, eight snow and bubble machines, 16 single-shot pyrotechnics and 65 light cannons projecting that spectacular two-kilometre virtual tree into the night sky. A 167-metre linear LED screen wrapped around the Plaza added to the visual spectacle.

 

The festivities started earlier in the afternoon with a children's performance by Drilo's Gang and DJ Carlos Jean, who returned later in the evening to keep the party going after the tree was lit. The six-time Latin Grammy nominee and Ondas Award winner treated the crowd to some of his biggest hits including 'Gimme the Base', 'Blackstar' and 'Lead the Way'. Carlos Jean, who's currently Head of Music at Hogarth Spain and has composed soundtracks for films like 'Guerreros' and 'Hasta el Cielo', kept the energy high well into the evening.

 

Needless to say, Plaza Circular was absolutely rammed. The central roundabout, Alfonso X and Primo de Rivera avenue were packed with locals and visitors of all ages, many arriving from early afternoon to secure a good spot. For those who couldn't make it to the Plaza in person, the event was streamed live via the Tu Murcia website and app.

 

The city council pulled out all the stops to make access as easy as possible. Throughout the day, tram and bus services were completely free, allowing people to travel without worrying about parking. Those who did drive could leave their cars for free at the park-and-ride facilities at Atocha, Loaysa, Fuenteblanca and Justicia, then continue on foot or by public transport. Alternative bus and tram stops were also set up to cope with the closure of traffic in Plaza Circular itself.

 

The festivities are running under the slogan 'A Christmas for History' this year as Murcia is celebrating the 1200th anniversary of the city.

 

The inaugural weekend saw workshops including 'Paint your 3D Nativity', 'Christmas Canvas', 'Plant your Christmas Tree', 'Minichef' and a baby playroom. These are just the beginning of hundreds of events scheduled throughout the season, including the opening of the Garden of Dreams in the Malecón garden on December 12, Santa Claus arriving on December 22 and the Three Kings' Parade on January 5.

 

Murcia’s big light switch-on is always spectacular and draws enormous crowds from all around but without a doubt, this one felt different. This one made history.

 

 

Images: Ayuntamiento de Murcia