Nova Scotia’s animal Christmas tree gift for Boston is now a “superstar” in the city.
That’s according to its Facebook profile, which says the community gathered around the tree on Thursday night to watch it come alive with lights and festive cheer.
“I’m a City of Boston superstar!!!,” the caption reads, while you can hear the audience give the official countdown for the tree lighting.
The Boston Christmas tree has been lit each year since 1941.
This year’s tree, a 60-year-old, 48-foot white spruce, was donated by L’Arche Cape Breton, a non-profit organization.
Our province has been sending the gift to the city since 1971.
It’s Nova Scotia’s way of thanking Boston for its help after the Halifax Explosion.
History of the Tree for Boston
Two ships collided in the Halifax Harbour on December 6th, 1917, causing a devastating explosion.
Nearly 2,000 people were killed, hundreds were seriously hurt, and many were left without a home.
Boston was quick to respond, sending medical aid and relief supplies to help.
“Nova Scotia will never forget the generosity shown by the City of Boston after the Halifax Explosion, and to say thank you, we send the annual gift of a beautiful Christmas tree,” Premier Tim Houston says in a news release. “Nova Scotia has had a strong relationship with Massachusetts for hundreds of years, cementing dependable ties along the way.”
This year marks the 104th anniversary of the Halifax Explosion and the 50th anniversary of the Nova Scotia Tree for Boston tradition.
(SOURCE: Boston Parks and Recreation)
The lighting featured performances from Nova Scotian Cape Breton artists Wendy MacIsaac and Mac Morin from Beòlach with Heather Rankin.
Halifax’s R&B artist Keonté Beals also took to the stage.
— Tree for Boston (@TreeforBoston) December 3, 2021
The tree lighting ceremony is broadcast to an audience of more than 200,000 viewers and attracts 20,000 people to Boston Common.
**With files from Ian Robinson.
