A sure sign that Christmas is just around the corner is the official switching-on ceremony of the Ibiza town Christmas tree, which took place in the main square, the Vara de Rey on Friday 6th of December. A large crowd, both young and old, had gathered on this public holiday evening to watch the mayor Xico Tarrés do the honours. To the accompaniment of 'oooohs' and 'aaaahs' the 12 metre high tree, decorated with over 6000 tiny light bulbs, burst into illuminated life and become the centrepiece of the Christmas market which runs until Christmas Eve.
The council have spent over € 250,000 to make this Christmas special and a little different from the traditions of the past 30 years. This year the 'Belén' or nativity scene will be moved to the Town Hall Cloister and free buses have been laid on to transport visitors up the steep hill, where hot tea and chocolate will be waiting for them. And for the first time ever, the procession of the Three Kings from the East which takes place on the evening of the 5th of January will feature a real live camel!