São Paulo – Curtains open. Amidst thousands of lights and colours, the spectacle begins. The stage is taken by ballerinas, angels, fairies and little soldiers. Gigantic trees, reindeer, Santa Clauses, choirs and orchestras complete the scenery of the Christmas of Light of Gramado, one of the main Christmas spectacles in Brazil that is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year and should attract one million tourists, Brazilian and foreign, up to January 16th.
The edition this year, which started on November 4th, should be 10 days longer than the previous editions. "The event has grown much in recent years and was expanded not to have large audiences at the end of the year and to allow more people to see the spectacles," said the tourism secretary of Gramado, Gilberto Tomasini. According to him, most of the tourists come from states like São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and from the Northeast of the country. From abroad, the city receives mainly tourists from Latin America and Europe.
The Christmas of Lights offers three great attractions: musical "The Fantastic Christmas Factory", "The Grand Christmas Parade" and opera "Nativitaten".
"The Fantastic Christmas Factory" tells the story of a child who is taken to Santa Clause’s Factory by an angel. In that magic world, toys and the factory itself come to life, while Santa’s helpers work frenetically to complete production for the much awaited Christmas night. Since last year, the stage has been expanded for a new scene with the participation of skaters, actors and ballerinas. The spectacle is enchanting, especially for children.
"The Grand Christmas Parade" is an event that takes place in the centre of the city and includes the main characters of Christmas in a spectacle of light and sound. Over 200 members parade along the Avenida das Hortênsias (Hydrangeas Avenue), among them skaters, actors, ballerinas and children of the community, as well as Santa Clause, of course.
Opera "Nativitaten" is produced on the banks of Joaquina Rita Bier Lake, where opera singers on barges sing about the origin of Christmas. Fire rises from the lake, fountains squirt water into images, amidst laser beams, and fireworks add to the spectacle from start to finish. A choir of 100 voices has performances and interacts with the audience all the time. The presentation fills the eyes and feeds the soul.
Gramado does not lack options for entertainment. Privileged by nature, the city has as its natural beauties flower beds with hydrangeas, Knorr Park, which is a wooded area, Black Lake, a lake surrounded by woodland and with leisure attractions like pedal boats, among others.
With around 30,000 inhabitants, Gramado has great hotel infrastructure, inns, restaurants and also several important events like the Gramado Cinema Festival. Promoted at the Palace of Festivals, the event has been taking place annually since 1973. The festival awards not just Brazilian productions, but also movies of Latin origin.
Service
The Fantastic Christmas Factory
Time: 9:30 pm
Site: Carrieri Park. To get there, follow the signs to Black Lake, from where there will be specific boards pointing towards the event.
Duration: 60 minutes
The Grand Christmas Parade
Time: 9:30 pm
Site: Avenida das Hortênsias
Duration: 60 minutes
Nativitaten
Time: 9:30 pm
Site: Joaquina Rita Bier Lake
Duration: 50 minutes
Take a coat, as the spectacle is around the lake. Not recommended for those under 10 years of age.
Tickets and further information at site: www.natalluzdegramado.com.br
*With information from portal Natal Luz de Gramado.Translated by Mark Ament.
