It is still just Nov. 27, but Hungary’s official Christmas tree has already been erected in front of parliament in Budapest.
In line with tradition, this year’s tree was again a blue spruce with the usual impressive measurements. The tree is 20 meters (65 feet) high, weighs 20 tonnes (22 tons) and its trunk has a diameter of 70 centimeters (27 inches) at its widest point.
It was donated to the nation by Irma Trombitás from the central Hungarian town of Veszprém.
This is only the unofficial arrival of the tree for the time being. According to tradition, the Christmas tree on Kossuth Lajos square in downtown Budapest should stand there fully decorated and illuminated from Advent (December 1) to Epiphany (January 6).
Budapest is making a name for itself with travelers, especially for its winter attractions. CNN recently named the city the most “magical” winter city in Europe and gave an in-depth look at its Christmas markets and attractions like the Christmas light tram.
Title image: Firefighters lift Hungary’s Christmas tree into place in downtown Budapest on Nov. 26, 2019 (MTI/Balázs Mohai)
