Although this year has been difficult for many municipal budgets, funds are still being sought for Christmas decorations, Zemgale Regional Television reported on December 9.
In anticipation of the festive season, Jelgava organizes an annual competition. This year, the winners will spend just under €70,000, which will be covered by the local authority. “Compared to last year, we will even have less electricity consumption this time,” said Līga Brūvere of the Jelgava City Authority “Pilsētsaimniecība”.
Last year, Jelgava spent much more – 150 thousand euros.
This year’s amount includes both the purchase of new decorations and the use of decorations from previous years. This year, the municipality has also abandoned the rental of decorations.
The main attraction in the town is the large-scale decor in Hercoga Jēkaba Square.
“The idea behind it is linked to Jelgava Castle. The silhouette of Jelgava Castle and the baroque elements in this decor,” added Brūvere.
In the nearby Dobele municipality, 24 objects have been illuminated this year and the Christmas story is about creating light and Christmas spirit in as much of the area as possible. Last year, the municipality allocated EUR 25,000 for Christmas decorations. This year, as Dobele is decorating a wider area, the cost has risen to 45,000.
“Previously, decorations were not given to all parishes. The decorations used were mostly from previous years, but they wear out over time and the lights burn out. We renewed a lot of decorations that were bought 10 years ago,” said Liene Laurinoviča, environmental designer at the Dobele Municipality Construction Board.
In Tukums, this year the focus will be on the three fir trees in Brīvības Square, which are columned and mirrored in the environmental mirror installation “Lord Tukums”.
“It would be good to adopt the Scandinavian experience – to get more lights in order to reduce the gloomy, depressive mood of the population. It helps people overcome the darkness. If we turn people’s emotional state and health into money, then it will definitely be cheaper to shine these lights than to fix people’s health afterwards,” said Ingrīda Smuškova, Head of the Tourism and Heritage Development Department of Tukums Municipality.
Last year, Tukums Municipality spent 44,000 euros on decorating the town, and this year about 50.
