On 26 September, the Porto Traders Association launched an international public tender for the rental of decorative lights, electrical infrastructure, and a Christmas tree, the base price of which amounts to €520,000 (plus VAT), €60,000 more than last year.

Contacted by Lusa, the president of the Porto Traders Association, Rubens de Carvalho, explained that the public tender aims to cover at least 94 streets in the city, three more than in 2023.

The number of streets with lighting has been growing annually, with only 83 being covered in 2020.

The number of motifs used in the lighting has increased from 846 to 876, he said.

Like the number of streets lit, the number of motifs used has also been growing since 2020, when only 588 were used.

Rubens de Carvalho also said that the Christmas tree will be at least equal to or larger than the one last year, which was 30 metres high and 15 metres in diameter.

The traditional Christmas tree on Avenida dos Aliados will be joined by 13 small and three medium-sized trees, which will be distributed throughout the city.

The president of the Porto Traders' Association explained to Lusa that the public tender calls for minimum quantities, and that "the final quantities" of Christmas lights and decorations are expected to be higher.

According to the announcement of the procedure, published in the Official Gazette, interested parties must submit their proposals by 21 September, and must maintain them for a period of 66 days.

The tender specifications, consulted by Lusa, determine that at least 75% of the lighting must be LED.

The lights must be officially switched on between 5:30 pm and 6:00 pm on 1 December, the document adds.

The lights should be on from Sunday to Thursday between 5:30 pm and 11:00 pm, and on Friday, Saturday, and the eve of public holidays between 5:30 pm and midnight.

The dismantling of the structures should take place from January 7th and be completed by February 1st, according to the specifications.