Rio de Janeiro Inaugurates the World's Tallest Floating Christmas Tree

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20121202/SP21463 )

With this year's theme "Christmas Around the World," the , now in its 17th consecutive year, is one of three major events in Rio de Janeiro , after Carnaval and New Year's Eve . Starting this Sunday, December 2nd , the will be lit daily through January 6 , Three Kings Day when the lights will be turned on for the last time this edition.

The 's unparalleled design will thrill the public with details marking the changes that occur in each of the four seasons of the year. The display of lights begins to fall by recreating the falling of tree leaves common this time of year. Suddenly, the turns completely white thanks to a falling snow effect representing the countries that celebrate Christmas during .

arrives with colorful flowers in 3D, including a blooming garden. With the coming of , the time when Brazilians celebrate the date, the takes on a yellowish hue with sun-filled splendor. Then, colorful balls of different sizes begin appearing on the world's tallest floating tree, giving life to the Christmas decoration.

For Alexandre Nogueira , the Director of Grupo Bradesco Seguros, it is a time of intense fulfillment. "It is an immense pleasure to offer everyone this symbol of Christmas that can move and unite people in celebration of the most fundamental human values."

The weighs 542 tons and is 85 meters tall, the equivalent of a 28-story building. The megastructure has 3.3 million miniature lights, (114,829 yd) of rope lights and 2,100 strobes.

The website arvorenatalbradescoseguros.com.br – available in Portuguese, English and Spanish – includes virtual cards of the , timeline, videos and animations via YouTube. Also on the social networks, the provides information, entertainment and plenty of interaction.

+55-21-2503-1808 /21-9971-2379
vera.soares@bradescoseguros.com.br

+55-21-2503-1495 / 21-9757-1973
ana.mirandacosta@hotmail.com

+55-21-2538-1513 21-8565-0695
regina.pombo@millerbaum.com.br

+55-21-2538-1513 / 21-8137-2112
jesus.ribeiro@millerbaum.com.br

Note to Editors:
A picture accompanying this release is available from the European Pressphoto Agency (EPA) at http://www.epa-photos.com.