Thousands of Brazilians and visitors gathered at Rio de Janeiro’s Rodrigo de Freitas Lake to witness the lighting of the world’s largest floating Christmas tree with 3.3 million lights.
The enormous tree, supported by a metallic structure and standing 85 metres tall has already been acknowledged by the Guinness World Records to be the largest of its kind in the world, but this year the tree ‘grew’ 10 metres higher than it was last Christmas.
The tree is divided into 15 lighted sections, and this year organisers of the event increased the number of reflectors and lighted ornaments, as well as the number of lights.
Before the simultaneous illumination of all the lights Saturday, locals and tourists who packed themselves along the shore of the lake viewed a colourful fireworks show, which was preceded by performances by several musical groups.
The Rodrigo de Freitas lakeshore, which is a popular place to take a pleasant stroll here, is adjacent to the neighbourhoods of Copacabana, Ipanema and Leblon, which have the city’s three best-known beaches.
The tree, which every December is set up on the lake, will be illuminated every night until Jan 6, when authorities will begin disassembling the display.
After 26 years, the Fluminense soccer team won the 2010 Brazilian Championship on Sunday, Beating a visiting Guarani.
Fluminense’s Emerson scored the game’s only goal, guaranteeing the team’s title.
After a long and scoreless first half, Fluminense returned to the field in the second half under heavy expectation. Finally, in the 61st minute, Emerson capitalized on a loose ball directly in front of the Guarani net after Washington redirected a Carlinhos crossed ball.
Amid the confusion, Emerson cleanly knocked the ball into the net, giving his team what would be the tournament-winning goal.
Fluminense was forced to win the match in order to preserve its leadership in the 38th and last round of the running-point tournament.
A draw or lose would have given ground for Cruzeiro to claim this year’s title due to their 2-1 win over Palmeiras and Corinthians 1-1 draw at Goais.
Head coach Muricy Ramalho celebrates his fourth national title. Vanderlei Luxemburgo is the only coach to have won more Brazilian Championship titles, winning five times.
Apart from winning the most celebrated competition in Brazil, the team also earned the right to participate in the 2011 Libertadores Cup.
Fluminense finished the Brazilian Championship with 71 points, two ahead of second placed Cruzeiro with 69 points and three ahead of third placed Corinthians.
The title marked the first ever while playing in the Engenhao stadium in Rio de Janeiro.
Source: Xinhua
