LUCCA. First weekend in the Christmas atmosphere in Lucca, including markets, lights, ice rink and entertainment initiatives. A good part of the program set up by the municipal administration with the collaboration of associations and merchants has yet to start – with the next holiday weekend – but the dress rehearsal which took place yesterday and Saturday promises well. Streets, squares and packed shops, also thanks to the opportunity offered by Black Friday discounts.
First budget
The municipal administration speaks of an “extraordinary turnout” for the “Lucca Magical Christmas” initiatives, satisfied with the “thousands of visitors who filled the squares and streets of the historic centre, confirming the success of this third edition. The municipal administration, with a significant commitment, has created a rich and varied calendar of events, capable of enhancing the Christmas traditions, culture and beauty of the area, involving citizens, tourists and local activities”. Among the points of greatest attraction, the Christmas market in Piazza Napoleone, with its characteristic wooden huts, was taken by storm, offering typical products, crafts and Christmas sweets in a magical atmosphere. Great amazement was aroused by the artistic nativity scene under the Praetorian Loggia, designed by Francesco Zavattari, the iconic “Bark” Christmas tree by architect Michel Boucquillon in Piazza San Frediano and the “Star in the woods” by Emiliana Martinelli for Martinelli Luce in Piazza of the Cathedral. The light installations and artistic projections in the historic center are also conquering the digital public, becoming protagonists on social media. Crowds in the shopping streets, animated by decorations and lights, and great success for the Ice Park in the Caffè delle Mura square, where the new ice rink offers moments of fun in a unique setting.
Christmas without a car
To encourage a more sustainable use of the historic center during the holidays, also from an environmental point of view, by reducing traffic through the use of local public transport, the Municipality has also financed a further measure: the granting of free use to users of the urban lines from 3pm until the end of the day of operation, on Saturdays and Sundays of weekends in December, as well as on Christmas Eve. Yesterday was the first day of the launch of the initiative for which 14,525 euros were allocated to the local public transport company Autolinee Toscane SpA as compensation for lost revenues.
Next initiatives
The initiatives continue over the next few weekends. On 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22 and 23 December the Meraki Market will take place at Palazzo Sani, a creative market with unique proposals. Also not to be missed is the Christmas Factory, which will open on 7 December in Vicolo San Carlo and will host Santa Claus' House, with free activities and workshops dedicated to children. Among the new features of this edition is the nativity scene route in the churches and buildings of the historic centre. Furthermore, for the first time, Lucca will host the AtmoSphere Circus, the largest Italian circus without animals, which will offer innovative shows with 3D technology from 20 December to 19 January in Piazzale Don Baroni.
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