RIO DE JANEIRO - The traditional inauguration of the largest floating Christmas tree in the world according to the Guinness Book of Records - 85-meters-tall (equivalent to a 28-story building) - gathered together thousands of people in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

The scenic tree once again was created by Brazilian designer Abel Gomes, who spared no inventiveness in order to provide its spectators a magnificent show of lights and colors: 11 sequential patterns, illuminated by 2.9 million miniature bulbs, 52 kilometers of illuminated strands and 1,600 strobes (small bulbs with a flashing, stroboscopic effect), producing a twinkling star effect.

The light and color display presented by the largest floating Christmas tree in the world is powered by biodiesel generators that help reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions into the atmosphere. To optimize the use of fuel, a computerized telemetry system is used that activates the generators based on the requirements of the programmed lighting.