Italy has officially lit the world's biggest Christmas tree, in the medieval Umbrian town of Gubbio. The display is big enough to cover 30 football fields, stretching 450 meters wide and 750 meters in length across the slope of Mount Ingino.

It consists of 7.5 kilometers of electric cables and 700 lights and the star is located at the Basilica of the local Patron Saint Ubaldo.

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Filippo Mario Stirati, the town's mayor, says the display is a great source of pride.

"The tree has become an international icon, recognized among the most significant Christmas trees in the world like those in New York or Australia," said Stirati.

It has been enjoyed by both locals and tourists over the years. Alessandro Ferrara, who traveled from Rome for the lighting ceremony with his young son said "It's a beautiful emotion every year, you can feel the Christmas spirit."

The Gubbio Christmas tree has been an annual spectacle since 1981. It was officially entered into the Guinness Book of Records in 1991. More than three decades later, its entry remains unchallenged.

"it is a unique experience, to see the mountain turn into a Christmas tree and we're grateful to all the volunteers who make it happen," said Silvia Di Nicola, a local resident who gets to see it every year. 

'A symbol of peace'

The committee in charge of the tree says that in addition to attracting tourists, it also plays a crucial role in the town's cultural heritage.

"It is a big commitment because every Sunday morning from September, volunteers of all ages come together to bring the tree to life. There are 64 people in the committee, and it's a tradition handed down over generations," explained Giacomo Fumanti, the president of the committee.

Pope Francis and Italian astronaut Paolo Nespoli are amongst those who have had the honor of turning the lights on in previous years.

For a €10 ($10.50) donation, each of the lights can be "adopted" and dedicated to a loved one. At a difficult time for many, the mayor hopes it can be a symbol of solidarity.

"This year, I would like the tree to be a symbol of peace because with the air of war that we breathe for many months, we also need a message of hope," added the mayor.