Christmas comes early in this Spanish city with the world's largest lights display

It's only August but Christmas has come early in one city in northern Spain. Vigo has already started putting up its Christmas lights as it plans to have the world's largest display when the holiday season rolls around.

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It is putting them in place earlier this year than normal, because the protocols put in place to protect workers against COVID-19 could slow down proceedings. According to the city mayor, Abel Caballero, the Christmas lighting will cover 334 streets and 450 trees with 2700 ornaments and ten million LED lights. In an attempt to boost tourism, his city has spent €800,000 ($949,348) on the lighting.

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The mayor has revealed that protective measures will limit crowding on the main streets and social distancing will be enforced. The new security measures also require the transfer of the giant tree from Porta do Sol to Policarpo Sanz, as it is a bigger space, which will facilitate social distancing between people. However, the city is unsure if it will be able to bring in a Ferris wheel, which is normally one of the main attractions of the display.

Home to Europe's largest fishing fleet, Vigo is a welcoming and confident city with many buzzing tapas bars, restaurants and clubs. The lights have been a great draw in previous years, with visitors arriving en masse for the switching on ceremony at the end of November. “Christmas in Vigo is a remarkable element in Spain, the rest of Europe and other continents," says Caballero. "Our Christmas will be exceptional, beautiful - but 100% COVID secure.”

Lockdowns are easing globally as the planet adjusts to a new normal. Find out how COVID-19 is changing travel.

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