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Due to the impact of this year's energy crisis, Budapest, Hungary's capital, has canceled all traditional Christmas light decorations. Instead, the city has introduced a novel and unconventional initiative to celebrate the Christmas season, simultaneously cutting costs amidst rising energy prices. The idea is for citizens to pedal and light up the Christmas tree themselves.
To achieve this, the local government has placed a bicycle near the central square, capable of providing energy for the decorative lights on the Christmas tree. The tree only lights up completely when the bicycle is pedaled with sufficient force. Additionally, this bicycle can also charge batteries, operating alongside solar panels to supply energy for the lights around Budapest's central square.
'On one hand, we aim to encourage people to stay active in this freezing weather. On the other hand, we can gauge how many people can illuminate this 6m tall Christmas tree. For us, this could be an example for everyone to see that sustainability is the future of the nation.' - Gergely Orsi, District 2 Mayor of Budapest, shared.
'Every year, the Christmas square is beautifully adorned. Although we are saddened that it couldn't happen this year, I think this is also a fantastic solution.' - A local resident expressed.Source: Reuters
