For the first time in the tree’s history, 2018’s tree was donated by a lesbian couple.
The first ever tree to be lit at the Rockefeller Center in New York was in 1931. The lighting of the tree tradition became in 1933. This year’s tree was donated by Shirley Figueroa and Lissette Gutierrez.
Two days to go until the the 2018 #RockCenterXMAS Tree lighting! Shirley Figueroa and Lissette Gutierrez donated this year’s showstopper, a 72-foot-tall Norway Spruce. https://t.co/dd0VGgMg9N pic.twitter.com/8ceSZOEndb
— Rockefeller Center (@rockcenternyc) November 26, 2018
New Yorkers for Parks noted on its official Twitter account that “This year, Rockefeller Center’s tree is from a woman who grew up on a block in the Bronx that had no trees! It’s also the first tree in Rockefeller Center’s history to be donated by a same-sex or Latina couple!”
This year, Rockefeller Center’s tree is from a woman who grew up on a block in the Bronx that had no trees! It’s also the first tree in Rockefeller Center’s history to be donated by a same-sex or Latina couple! The tree will be lit tonight at 7PM! https://t.co/gg3FzE3cY0
— New Yorkers for Parks (@NY4P) November 29, 2018
According to the Rockefeller Centre, “Growing up, Figueroa loved seeing people from all “different cultures and backgrounds” visiting Rockefeller Center at Christmastime, so she’s grateful to help continue that tradition, especially for the kids who come from all over the city to enjoy it”.
The tree was cut from their home in Wallkill, about 60 miles north of New York City. They nicknamed their tree “Shelby”.
Millions of people are expected to turn up to see the 75-year-old tree during the festive period and it will be lit with over 50,000 LED lights and topped by a 9 foot wide Swarovski crystal star.
