In Brazil, South America, which is about to reach midsummer, a huge Christmas tree was lit in hopes of the convergence of the new coronavirus.
Concerns about the new mutant virus identified in South Africa were widespread locally, and citizens expressed anxiety.
Brazil, located in the Southern Hemisphere, is preparing for Christmas in earnest as summer approaches.
In the largest city of São Paulo, a 50-meter-high Christmas tree was unveiled on the 27th.
To date, more than 600,000 people have died in Brazil after being infected with the new coronavirus.
The tree contained a desire to regain the connections of people lost due to the infection as the virus converged, creating a fantastic atmosphere when lit.
However, there are still many days when the number of infected people per day exceeds 10,000.
In addition, a new mutant virus has been identified in South Africa, and the Brazilian government has announced that it will restrict entry to six countries in southern Africa, raising concerns about further spread of the infection among its citizens.
A local college student who participated in the light-up said, "We don't have enough information about the new mutant virus, but we feel that we need to take all possible measures as before."