In the presence of a large crowd, the Christmas Tree of the Municipality of Heraklion was illuminated on the evening of Friday, December 9, in Eleftherias Square.

The countdown for the lighting was given by the Mayor of Heraklion, Vassilis Lambrinos, who in his short greeting said, among other things: “With the lighting of the Christmas Tree, this year the festive season is also being triggered.

This year, we don’t have the traditional “Christmas Castle”, due to the works that will start soon in Liberty Square, but even so we will make every effort to get the residents and visitors of the city into the holiday spirit.

I want to especially thank the artists participating in today’s event, as well as Mrs. Rena Papadakis, DIKEI and all those who have contributed over the years to the decoration of Heraklion and to the operation of the Christmas Castle.

It is important not to forget, even on feast days, that there are people, in the places where Christ was born and elsewhere, who cannot celebrate.

And we must always think of the less fortunate. In the Municipality of Heraklion we will be next to our fellow citizens who need us during the holidays, as we are all year round.

As this year is the last year that I am here as Mayor, I want to thank all of you for your presence here tonight and for your continuous support for the festive events of the Municipality of Heraklion.

Happy Holidays, be healthy.”

The elected Mayor of Heraklion, Alexis Kalokairinos, also addressed a greeting, while officials of the Municipal Authority were present.

The illumination was followed by a concert with Paulina Voulgaraki, who thrilled the crowd.

Earlier, Batala Creta, the Brass Ensemble of the Symphony Orchestra of Youth of Crete of the Municipality of Heraklion, the Choir of the Symphony Orchestra of Youth of Crete of the Municipality of Heraklion and the Philharmonic Orchestra of the Municipality of Heraklion under the direction of Leonidas Tzortzakis gave the start to the celebration.