This archive report was first published on 24 December 2019.
Published on December 24, 2019
Vigo's Christmas Lights Bring Tourists, but Also Criticism ¶
Abel Caballero, the 73-year-old mayor of Vigo, Spain, has been credited with transforming the city's image with his extravagant Christmas lights display. The display, which features 10 million lights, has attracted tens of thousands of visitors and generated a significant boost to the local economy.
However, the display has also sparked criticism from environmentalists and some residents who argue that it is a waste of resources and a distraction from more pressing issues such as poverty and unemployment.
"It seems an absurd contradiction that Spain held a climate change summit just as Vigo competed with other Spanish cities for who could switch on the most Christmas lights," said Serafín González Prieto, the president of the Galician Society of Natural History.
The city's Christmas lights display has been a major talking point in Spain, with some praising the mayor's creativity and others criticizing his priorities. "Caballero is popular, sure, but he is also a populist who has portrayed himself as the only real defender of Vigo and blamed anything that goes wrong on others," said Ignacio López-Chaves, a former conservative city politician in Vigo.
Despite the criticism, the city's Christmas lights display has been a major success, with many residents and visitors praising the mayor's efforts to bring joy and festive spirit to the city.
"I have never seen Vigo look so bright and cheerful," said Javier Alvarez, a Swiss prison official who returns to Vigo every Christmas to spend time with family relatives.
The city's Christmas lights display is set to continue until January 6, with many residents and visitors expected to flock to the city to see the display.
