Riga proudly claims to be the birthplace of the first Christmas tree, despite similar claims from Baltic rival Tallinn (which no sane person would take seriously) and part of that tradition has been exported to the Belgian capital in the form of a giant fir that will dominate the central Grande Place from November 28 to January 4.
The switching on of the tree's lights will be attended by Riga mayor Nils Usakovs along with his Brussels counterpart Yvan Mayeur and the Brussels Latvian Choir.
Tomorrow, November 14, the tree will start its journey and is expected to arrive on November 20. Luckily, it is travelling by ship rather than via the mail service.
Riga Christmas tree en route to Brussels
Take note – story published 9 years ago
Photo: Riga City Council
November 13, 2014, 18:04
The citizens of Brussels will be able to enjoy one of the most traditional aspects of Christmas this year courtesy of a gift from Riga: a giant Christmas tree.
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