This year, it will not be the kind of Christmas that we’re used to – but the city will at least be decked out in bright decorations made from recycled and energy-saving materials.
Alongside the recently
imposed restrictions around town, there are a few things to be cheerful about. There
has been more and more emphasis on a green approach to citywide development,
including increased cycle lanes.
This change will also be reflected in Christmas
decorations this year, as Budapest will be adorned with new, environmentally
friendly, recycled ornaments from the 29 November, the first Sunday of Advent.
Merry green Christmas
“The decorations are made using recycled plastic and aluminium, as well as sugar cane. For the first time, bio-degradable and recyclable materials will light up Budapest," says city mayor Gergely Karácsony.
Without the crowds of last
year around the Basilica and Vörösmarty tér, the squares and streets will at
least not feel so empty. And the ornaments themselves will be lighter, make it
easier on the trees.
Those on the section running along Andrássy út to Oktogon,
and around Városháza park near Deák tér will be illuminated with lights of 8.5kw,
which means 40% less energy consumption compared to previous years.
