Fuengirola turns to poinsettias as Christmas decoration

The red and green plants will beautify the squares and gazebos of the Andalusian city

This week, the municipal website of Fuengirola (Spain) informed the public that the authorities had already started preparing the Christmas decoration of the city with the help of a natural and beautiful addition – the poinsettia plant. For this purpose, the City Council will plant 9,000 of these red and green plants in order to instil a joyous spirit in the urban environment.

The plant, which originates in Mexico, has been long and traditionally associated with the Christmas season. In its native country, it is, in fact, known as la flor de Navidad (Christmas flower). From there it became popular as an ornament in the United States, where 12 December is a Poinsettia Day. Later on, some European countries have also started picking up on that tradition, given how its colouring pattern renders itself neatly to associations with Christmas.

A natural touch to Christmas decorations

The Fuengirola Councilor for Urban Ecology, Antonio Carrasco, reported that the planting of these natural decorations had begun on 17 November in the gardens, parks and roundabouts of the city.

"The Christmas dates are approaching and from the Department of Urban Ecology we have started with the planting poinsettias or Easter flowers, as they are also called (their common name in Spain)," said Mr Carrasco, explaining that "this year we are going to plant around nine thousand poinsettias, in two phases, and this time we have decided that they will be in two colours, yellow and red.”

Ironically, many people think that the red petals are the flowers or blossoms, but in fact, they are a special type of leaves called bracts. The Councilor, however, has also issued a special appeal to the residents calling on their collaboration so that the plants can be preserved for the maximum time possible.

“We want to tell all citizens that these poinsettias are for decoration, to make our city beautiful and to, please, ask everyone not to remove them. I wish that we all can have a happy holiday,” he appealed.