The La Línea City Council has announced a festive programme that will run until 5 January, introducing new light and sound shows, alongside the participation of 200 young people dressed as Bedouins in the upcoming Three Kings Parade. Mayor Juan Franco and Councillor for Festivities Mercedes Atanet presented the official Christmas event schedule on Monday.
The celebrations will officially kick off on 27 November at 20:45 with the lighting of the Christmas decorations, following the earlier inauguration of the nativity scene by the Betheleem Association at the Cruz Herrera Museum, the Christmas Village in the Saccone Gardens, and the Winter Fair in García Cabreros Square.
During the press conference, municipal officials highlighted that the agenda includes a month and a half of continuous activities designed for all audiences, made possible through collaboration between the Festivities Delegation and various municipal departments, social entities, and local groups.
Among this year's main innovations are the light and sound shows integrated into the aerial and ground decorations of the urban centre, developed by the Infrastructure Delegation. “We will have aerial figures and decorative elements on the ground that incorporate a light and sound show; a goal we have wanted to achieve for several years,” stated Atanet, who detailed that three musical performances lasting ten minutes each will be offered daily.
On 5 January, the Three Kings will arrive at 10:30 at the Cruz Herrera Museum to meet the children of the city and hold an official meeting with the mayor. After making institutional visits throughout the day, the Grand Parade of Illusion will commence at 18:00, featuring 200 young participants from various brotherhoods and associations, portraying Bedouins.
Mayor Juan Franco expressed his belief that the community “will enjoy a month and a half filled with activities,” while publicly thanking the municipal staff and local associations for their efforts in making the programme possible.
Patron festivities for the Immaculate Conception
The festive calendar will also highlight events dedicated to the patron saint and perpetual mayor, the Immaculate Conception, starting on 28 November with the XIII Immaculate Race at 19:30, followed by a grand lyrical gala at the Congress Palace at 20:00. On 6 December, an official flag-raising ceremony will take place at the Carlos III roundabout at 12:00, with a mass officiated by the Bishop at 19:00. The major mass will occur on 8 December at 12:30, followed by the Immaculate procession at 17:30.
Christmas programme highlights
- 27 November, 19:00, Cruz Herrera Museum: inauguration of the nativity scene by the Betheleem Association.
- 27 November, 20:45, Saccone Gardens and Juan García Cabreros Square: inauguration of the Christmas Village and Winter Fair.
- 27 November, 20:45 (after mass), Church Square: lighting of the Christmas decorations.
- 4 December, 21:00, Church Square: Christmas Zambomba by Zambombas de Triana.
- 7 December, 12:00, Cruz Herrera Museum: inauguration of the museum's Christmas tree and exhibitions.
- 8 December, 10:00, Santa Bárbara Petanque Club: XXVII Immaculate Day Tournament.
- 10 December, 17:30, Municipal Library: workshop for letters to the Three Kings.
- 12 December, 12:00, city centre: X Concentration of Vintage Cars.
- 12 December, 20:00, Salesian College Chapel: XXXI Christmas Proclamation.
- 12 December, 21:00, Paseo de la Velada Theatre: Christmas Concert by Erika Leiva.
- 16 December, 20:30, Avda. del Ejército: Christmas Drone Show.
- 20 December, all day, Christmas Village: V Christmas Fricada.
- 20 December, 18:30, Municipal Theatre: V City of La Línea Choir and Rondalla Showcase.
- 22 December, 19:00, Congress Palace: Christmas Concert by Muñoz Molleda Conservatory.
- 23 December, 18:30, Christmas Village: arrival of Santa Claus.
- 26 December, 19:00: Children's Yincana.
- 30 December, 19:00, Church Square: Children's Pre-New Year’s Eve Celebration.
- 2 January, 19:00, Christmas Village: visit and letter collection by the Royal Postman.
- 4 January, 20:00, Congress Palace: New Year’s Concert by the Young Symphony Orchestra.
- 5 January, 10:30, Cruz Herrera Museum: arrival of the Three Kings, reception by the Mayor.
- 5 January, 18:00: Grand Parade of Illusion and offering to the Patron.
