RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil, Dec. 6 /PRNewswire/ -- The third most important event in Rio de Janeiro's official calendar, after Carnival and New Year's Eve, is the Bradesco Seguros e Previdencia Christmas Tree, which has floated in the Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon in Rio de Janeiro for the past 12 consecutive seasons, reaching a height of 85 meters. Its record for greatest height has won it a new title in the Guinness Book of Records as the tallest floating Christmas tree in the world. It weighs 530 tons on an 810 square meter base made up of 11 floats, in the middle of the lagoon beneath the statue of Christ the Redeemer, which has been chosen as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20071206/SPTH002 )

The theme "A symbol of hope for the Brazilian family" presents a scene inspired by the stained glass windows of Brazilian cathedrals. 2.9 million miniature light bulbs and 37,000 meters of strings of lights cover the eight surfaces, illuminated by four moving spotlights. The water ballet, consisting of water in motion, lights and colors, completes the spectacle. Jets of water shoot up from 48 pumps installed at the base and reach 20 meters in height, illuminated by the colored lights.

A variety of leisure options along the shore enhance the charm of this Christmas symbol even further, which can be visited until January 6. Decorated kiosks serving local cuisine, together with live entertainment, bring together those who seek amusement outdoors in a climate of peace and harmony.

More than 100,000 people attended the tree's inauguration (see photo) along the shores of the lagoon. For over five minutes, the public thrilled to the shifts in scenery, heralded by fireworks and the dancing waters.

The energy consumed by the tree is supplied by seven generators powered by biodiesel, with a total capacity of 2,515 kVA. A computerized telemetry system ensures their optimal use.

The newest development in the 2007 edition is the neutralization of carbon (CO2) emissions with the planting of native trees, through a partnership between Bradesco Seguros e Previdencia and the Fundacao SOS Mata Atlantica. The calculation of emissions includes not only the set-up, display and dismantling of the tree, but also the amount of fuel consumed by vehicles used for these operations, as well as the transportation of staff -- by bus or plane -- to the event. The number of trees to be planted by Mata Atlantica is to be determined based on standards established by the United Nations International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).

CONTACT: Celina Cortes, Mediacao, +011-55-21-25533353,
+011-55-21-82737322, celina@mediacao.jor.br, for Bradesco Seguros e
Previdencia