Christmas Magic at Aliados in Porto sets the tone for Holiday celebration

Lights. Lots of lights and magic feelings were not found wanting at the ceremony of the lighting of the Tree in Avenida dos Aliados, in Porto, on 30th November.

On the stroke of 6pm, thousands of revellers where already set at Avenida dos Aliados to watch, first hand, the highlight of the Xmas celebration: the lighting of the tree and the Xmas lighting all over the Avenue.

This year brought a novelty, a video Mapping show, themed "Xmas postcard", projected in the facade of the City Hall Building moments before the spectacular firework display erupted in all its might: 31.600 LED bulbs make up the Christmas Tree, adding to the magic of time and place.

This ceremony of the inauguration of the Xmas Tree is already a tradition in Porto, since Rui Moreira took office, back in 2013.

The celebration entertained and touched all those cheering in Aliados; the official inauguration of this festive season at the Invicta lived up to the Xmas spirit and everyone present at the inauguration stated "it did not disappoint", "I was really thrilled".

This year, the ceremony was jointly organised with the Trade Association of Porto, who "expressed their views on which streets to decorate, which was really priceless as this event is also important for traditional trade", stated Rui Moreira.

Moments before the key moment of the evening - the Xmas Tree lighting - revellers at Aliados shared their views on the scenario: "I am very fond of Xmas, ever since I was little. I think we can actually experience Xmas magic here and people really seem happy".

People of all ages, paths of life and even from other geographic areas, mingled and expressed their ideas on the celebration: "This is a not to miss event"; "I am here for the concert and for the lights", others announced; "For me it's the conviviality", some would share.

"Our whole family is here and the reason is obvious", a mother of three stated: "It's quality family time, we are loving every minute of it, the weather is fine and this crowd is also phenomenal."

Rui Moreira, Mayor of Porto, in a statement to members of the Press, declared that "we always try to do the best possible every year; this year, we have more decorated streets, we had this video Mapping session, a surprise that people liked".

As for the Mayor's Christmas message: I hope people remember this is a family celebration, before and foremost, with peace and joy".

The festive spirit had already kicked off hours earlier, all over Porto, in the framework of the Xmas Programme "Porto. City with Happy Holidays!"

The itinerant choir journey through the Invicta started at 3pm today, from Aliados to Clérigos, Largo Amor de Perdição, Cordoaria, Praça de Carlos Alberto and Cedofeita Street, with an all Xmas carols repertoire.

Also on 30th November, a group of four little tin soldiers enlivened Porto with their music instruments, parading from Rua Formosa, at 3pm, roamed Santa Catarina and 31 de Janeiro Streets and headed to Aliados.

Around 4pm, there was time to enjoy a show by the Chilean Mime artist Huenchulaf, at Praça da Liberdade.

Today sets the tone for weekends in Porto filled with amusement and live performances, under the Xmas Programme "Natal a Rir" ["Laughing at Xmas", free translation], bringing all it takes to experience cheer joy this magical season: humour, magic, juggling, acrobatics, music, rhythm and mimic are the ingredients of the live performances from street artists from Chile, Argentina, France, Italy, Spain and also Portugal.

All performances take place at Avenida dos Aliados, starting at 4.30pm.

The "Natal a Rir" is an initiative of Porto City Hall, via the Municipal Company Ágora - Culture and Sports, and produced by the Cultural Association Gritodovento and artistic direction of Francesco Cerutti Nava.

Today, Porto officially inaugurated the ice skating rinks as well. The city has two active natural ice rinks running from 30th November to 12th January, one in Mouzinho de Albuquerque Square (aka Rotunda da Boavista) and another in Praça D. João I.

The Praça de D. João I natural ice-rink opened at 10am and the one at "Rotunda da Boavista" opened at 11am.

Save the date: to mark the opening of the festive season, on 1st December, ice skating and gliding is free during the morning hours till 1pm. Later that day, at 4pm, the performance "Magic on Ice" will delight crowds and it is access free.

In the Rotunda da Boavista, the ice rink is part of the Fantasy square, with ice ramps, merry-go-rounds, magic train, traditional games, mini Ferris wheel and even Santa Claus' Home.

Enjoy Happy Holidays in Porto!