Update – The Special Christmas Tree of Hungary: A 45-Year-Old Fir from Dubicsány

Every year, Hungary celebrates the holiday season by erecting a magnificent Christmas tree in front of the Parliament building on Kossuth Square in Budapest. This year, the chosen tree is a 45-year-old silver fir from Dubicsány, standing tall at 20 meters and weighing nearly 5 tons.

The Selection Process

The Office of the National Assembly carefully selects the tree each year from numerous offers. This year, 27 trees were considered, and the silver fir from Dubicsány was chosen based on its size, shape, foliage, and overall appearance. The tree, planted 45 years ago, has a trunk diameter of approximately 50 centimeters.

Transportation and Erection

The tree was cut down on November 24th by experts from the Hungarian Defence Forces. The following day, on November 25th, the giant was transported to Budapest and erected on Kossuth Square with the help of the military and disaster management professionals.

A Family’s Cherished Memory

The selected fir tree holds a special place in the hearts of the family who donated it. For generations, the tree stood as a silent witness to their lives, providing a backdrop for countless celebrations and cherished moments. The family expressed mixed emotions about parting with the tree, as it had become an integral part of their home and their memories. However, they are happy to share this living symbol of the holiday spirit with the entire nation.

Continuing the Tradition

The erection of the tree on Kossuth Square is a long-standing tradition. The transportation of the tree is a festive event in itself, with decorated military vehicles carrying the fir through the streets of Budapest, passing iconic landmarks such as the Margaret Bridge.

The Kossuth Square will be transformed into a stunning display of lights, with the tree serving as the centerpiece and attracting numerous visitors throughout the Advent season.

Update – The Lights Are On!

As part of the recent renovations on Kossuth Square, a permanent underground fixture was installed on the southwest side to securely anchor the massive tree using specially designed straps, ensuring its stability even in strong winds. The tree is topped with a new 3D-effect star-shaped ornament, illuminated by warm white energy-efficient LED lights, measuring 130 cm tall and weighing 25 kg.

The Christmas tree is decorated with 2500 meters of string lights and 16,000 energy-efficient colored LED bulbs, creating a dazzling display that lights up the square. In keeping with tradition, a nativity scene is placed next to the tree, which is completed with Baby Jesus on December 24th.

From Advent until Epiphany Day, the tree of the country shines brightly in front of Parliament, spreading joy and cheer to all who visit. After the holiday season, the tree will be recycled as firewood for those in need.

Conclusion

The Country’s Christmas Tree is more than just a decorative element in Budapest; it is a symbol of the nation coming together to celebrate the most beautiful holiday of the year. The fact that families from across Hungary offer their cherished trees for this purpose truly emphasizes the spirit of unity and sharing. As the tree stands tall in its full glory from the beginning of Advent until Epiphany, it will serve as a reminder of the joy and love that the Christmas season brings.

Image source: The Hungarian Parliament’s Facebook page