By Federico Donti
An event not to be missed in Castiglione del Lago! We have reached the end of this 2024 and with great satisfaction we tell you about one of the most important events in our region: ‘Lights on Lake Trasimeno’. Mark it: from 7 December, for all the holidays and for the fifth consecutive year, the largest structure in the world will be set up on the waters of the Umbrian basin and depicting a spectacular Christmas Tree.
The event, organized by the association ‘Eventi Castiglione del Lago APS’ with its over one hundred volunteers, with the support of the GAL Trasimeno-Orvietano (Local Action Group), focuses on the artistic and monumental installation – among the light and soft waves of Lake Trasimeno – of the largest Christmas tree in the water in the world.
There will also be an infinite number of collateral initiatives, to ensure that the fairy tale can live again and the warmth of the Christmas holidays can embrace the thousands of Umbrian visitors and those expected from outside the region.
It is easy to imagine the emotional impact on a visual level in combination with the 2,400 perimeter lights and 250 internal lamps that adorn a tree capable of extending for 1,080 meters in length and 50 meters in width, thanks to 7,165 meters of cable supported by 166 load-bearing poles.
A not insignificant fact, from a logistical and ecological point of view, you should know that 100% of the electricity produced to light it comes from renewable sources. The scenic, evocative setting will give the visitor a wonderful observatory from the height of the path close to the Rocca del Leone in Castiglione del Lago, a unique ‘vision’ of its kind capable of creating magical atmospheres for both children and families.
The day before the Immaculate Conception (8th December) at 5.30 pm, the festival will kick off, with the switching on of the lights and with several new initiatives: such as, for example, the “Wonder Show”, a show of lights and pure wonder which – repeated three times over the course of every single evening – will draw breathtaking light choreographies in the sky, ready to be reflected on the water of the lake.
The tree will only be visible through a path that promises great impact, especially for the little ones, made up of lights and engaging attractions such as the “Santa Claus Xmas Garden”. Here you can meet Santa Klaus and his helpers among enchanted surprises and lots of games, together with the “Nativity Path” which has an unmissable setting full of magic.
Inside you can also find a new “Xmas Café” for a convivial refreshment break, preceded by a reserved area accessible to all, which is the real big news of 2024: for the first time in Castiglione del Lago there will be “Chocolake”, a sweet parenthesis signed by Eurochocolate, an event ready to conquer Lake Trasimeno with its stands, in which it will be possible to know, taste and buy dozens of types of chocolate.
On the other fronts, the “Ice Park” with a totally renovated ice skating rink, the traditional “Market Village” with the best craftsmanship and the most varied typical products; then “Castiglione del Lego” for a triumph of coloured bricks and record-breaking constructions and installations along the streets of the historic centre (all information can be found on the website: www.lucisultrasimeno.it).
An infinite number of proposals, for all tastes and ages, in short, which will make Castiglione del Lago a ‘magnetic’ and attractive destination for the upcoming holidays. The town will thus return to boast the title of true ‘Village of fun’.
We thank the Trasimeno-Orvieto Gal for the availability shown.