This year, almost twelve million LEDs will be used to light up 460 streets in Vigo. The center of the city has a giant tree that lights up and changes colors and designs. There is also a Christmas market that has many tents that sell food, a train and even a giant ferris wheel, all of which light up at night. And, of course, there are many decorations like sleighs, bells, elves and north pole scenes that fill the streets. There are even unconventional Christmas decorations like a giant light up castle and a Mario Bros themed attraction.
Unlike many traditions in Spain and in Europe, the Christmas tradition in Vigo is very new. The story, even though it may not sound as fun, is solely that the mayor of Vigo, Abel Caballero, started investing heavily into Christmas light displays in the late 2010s as a way to attract tourism during Christmas season. While there is no historic tie between Vigo and Christmas, Mayor Caballero continues to try to turn Vigo into "the capital of Christmas". As I've learned from talking to many residents of Vigo, the mayor is quite the character. He has been known for crazy public moments, like breakdancing in front of a huge crowd. Whether you love him or hate him, it sure is true that the mayor has achieved his goal of turning Vigo into a Christmas hub!
