A little less than ten days before the launch of the Strasbourg illuminations and the “Strasbourg capital of Christmas” operation, the large tree that sits on Place Kléber is almost ready. Ready to be admired by more than 2.5 million visitors who will roam the Christmas markets of the Alsatian capital from November 24 to December 24.
For three weeks, electricians, climbers, landscapers, have been busy connecting and hiding the seven kilometers of electric garlands, placing the 400 decorative elements, some of them luminous, on the 30 meters high of the seventy year old conifer. And it is to the experienced Alsatian company Sigmatech that this honor goes once again this year. The one who won the call for tenders from the city of Strasbourg in 2014, entirely imagined and carried out the decoration of this new 2023 tree. “It’s a source of pride, a child’s dream,” smiles its general manager Romaric Gusto. A dream, certainly, but one that must meet deadlines: there will be no second chance on November 24. Also, around fifteen people are working on decorating the tree, and “it hasn’t been easy because this year it’s raining a lot and it’s windy. The tree is very wet,” underlines Romaric Gusto.
An eco-friendly and beautiful tree
The theme of 2024? The heart… in the broad sense, since Establishments and work assistance services (Esat) actively participated in the creation of part of the decorations. An almost new decor, assures Romaric Gusto. “There will be hearts everywhere, but not necessarily bright, so that there is not too much confusion with Valentine’s Day,” explains Sigmatech. As for the white balls, which have a two-color lighting system, they will appear red or white. What about the big red balls then? This year they are matte, opaque, just like the golden pearl necklaces which were made in France and created specifically for the great Strasbourg fir tree by an Esat, near Albi.
“It’s a relatively young tree,” he explains again. 20 minutes Romaric Gusto. Its branches are still flexible, you have to be careful not to overload them.” This is why the maximum weight of a decoration (metal playhouses, for example) should not exceed five kilos. Some decorations, mostly handmade, are made from recycled plastics, wood or Kelsch (sewn near Sebach, in Alsace). For now, the dressing of the tree itself is finished. All that remains is to install the Christmas village at the foot of the tree… and it will be in the basket.