Diego Martin Kicks Off Holiday Season With Spectacular Tree Lighting Ceremony

The Christmas Spectacular cheer was in full force at the Big Tree Lighting Ceremony in Diego Martin on Friday, hosted by the Diego Martin Borough Corporation. Over 300 people attended the event including Mayor Akeliah Glasgow-Warner, the first female Mayor of the Borough of Diego Martin. The Mayor celebrated the bond of togetherness amongst the residents of the community. "Tonight, under the glow of twinkling lights and the sound of Parang, Soca, and Carols, we come together not just to light a tree but to celebrate the bonds of community, love, and hope that unite us. The lighting of this tree symbolises our shared commitment to togetherness and the enduring spirit of the season." The crowd responded enthusiastically to the entertainment lined up for the evening, starting with vocalist Afeisha Brown. A young artiste who goes by the name of Young Kimani succeeded in getting the Mayor up and dancing too. There was just enough time for the countdown to begin before the lights came on to a roaring applause. Lighting Director and designer of the display, Lisa Charles, spoke about the process. "We started to put this together about two months ago, I would say, but only because I handled the project last year did we take such little time. Normally something like this would take, I would say, four months." There were also some special moments captured for a few families. Like Baby Elias, who celebrated his first Christmas visit to the Big Tree with his mum Aisha. Balloon decorator Debbie Charles also visited for the first time and spoke about her Christmas traditions. "Basically, it's his first that he knows what is going on. He sees lights and he points etcetera." The Mayor said this was the largest gathering she's seen around the Big Tree to date. "I feel great tonight. This tree lighting is our signature event every single Christmas. As a matter of fact, once this tree is light it signals the start of Christmas in the Diego Martin Borough and we are just happy to be part of the process."