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

- With Photo

RIO DE JANEIRO, Dec. 2, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The 17th Bradesco Seguros Christmas Tree, the world's tallest floating Christmas tree, according to the Guinness Book of Records, was inaugurated Saturday night, December 1st, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, with a free major event that included world-renowned Brazilian singers Simone and Emilio Santiago.

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

With this year's theme "Christmas Around the World," the Bradesco Seguros Christmas Tree, 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 tree will be lit daily through January 6, Three Kings Day, when the lights will be turned on for the last time this edition.

The Tree'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 Tree turns completely white thanks to a falling snow effect representing the countries that celebrate Christmas during winter.

Spring arrives with colorful flowers in 3D, including a blooming garden. With the coming of summer, the time when Brazilians celebrate the date, the Tree 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 Bradesco Seguros Christmas Tree weighs 542 tons and is 85 meters tall, the equivalent of a 28-story building. The megastructure has 3.3 million miniature lights, 105 kilometers (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 Tree, timeline, videos and animations via YouTube. Also on the social networks, the Tree provides information, entertainment and plenty of interaction.

MORE INFORMATION
Grupo Bradesco Seguros
Vera Soares
+55-21-2503-1808 /21-9971-2379
vera.soares@bradescoseguros.com.br

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

Millerbaum Comunicacao
Regina Pombo
+55-21-2538-1513 / 21-8565-0695
regina.pombo@millerbaum.com.br

Maria de Jesus Ribeiro
+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.