On the occasion of the feast of the Immaculate Conception, the Christmas tree set up in Piazza Navona was inaugurated yesterday, an Abies Nordmanniana over 20 meters high decorated with gold, silver and red colored spheres and illuminated by 100,000 LEDs.
The event involved the mayor Roberto Gualtieri and the president of Acea, Barbara Marinali and also saw the switching on of the lights of Via del Corso. However, according to the Romans there is very little to celebrate. Despite the picturesque setting of the Church of Sant’Agnese in Agone and the traditional stalls selling sweets and nativity scenes, the fir tree was judged to be sparse and neglected.
The inevitable comparison with Spelacchio
Users on social media have in fact shared photos and videos of the fir tree, accompanied by ironic comments and a series of criticisms. Many have pointed out how the plant is positioned in a simple black plastic pot, with thin branches unable to support the large decorations.
There was no lack of reference to Spelacchio, the tree in Piazza Venezia that became famous in 2017. For many, the new fir tree in Piazza Navona has already been renamed “the new Spelacchio”. On social media we read phrases like “Oh yes, he’s really plucked” or “Mangy… they could have done it better like all those they put in other places” which reflect the general tone of disappointment.
Many point out that a historic and central square would deserve a more careful choice, with a denser and more carefully decorated tree. Some have noted that the tree seems like a cheap product, with decorations poorly supported by the branches and the overall look neglected. Not even the presence of the municipal band and the traditional carousels managed to compensate for the general disappointment. And social media, in the meantime, have already found their new idol: Spelacchio 2.0.
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