Nearly fifty children and youngsters opened the Christmas Tree of the Presidency of the Regional Government in a Christmas gathering with the President of the Government and his wife, Vasco and Paula Cordeiro.

This initiative took place at the Sant'Ana Palace on Sunday afternoon and was attended by children from João XXIII Social Welfare Centre - "Os Traquinas" and São Pedro Social and Parish Centre as well as by children and youngsters from Rabo de Peixe Music School.

"It is with great pleasure that we welcome all these children for a simple ceremony, but with great significance," said Vasco Cordeiro to journalists. The President of the Government considered that these initiatives “encourage us to face the challenges of everyday life with the purpose of making a better Region."

Vasco Cordeiro also wished that all Azoreans "may find in Christmas the inner strength and the courage to face the times we live in."

"This is my greatest wish as President of the Government."

The opening of the Christmas Tree lights was followed by several Christmas carols performed by the children from the aforementioned institutions and the traditional exchange of gifts, which included Christmas chocolates, soft toys and the game "À Descoberta dos Açores" (Finding the Azores).