Mayor Michelle Wu to Visit Nova Scotia After Reelection
Mayor Michelle Wu will travel to Nova Scotia with her family from Sunday to Wednesday following her recent reelection victory. This three-day trip aims to strengthen ties with local leaders and ceremonially retrieve Boston’s annual Christmas tree, a gift from the Canadian province.
Trip Purpose and Significance
The primary purpose of the visit is to collect the towering Christmas tree that will be displayed on Boston Common during the holiday season. Since 1971, Nova Scotia has donated a large Christmas tree to Boston, symbolizing gratitude for the city's aid after the 1917 Halifax explosion, which caused 2,000 deaths and 9,000 injuries.
Historical Context of the Gift
- The Christmas tree tradition began as a thank-you from Nova Scotia for Boston’s support following the devastating 1917 disaster.
- Last year, Boston received a 45-foot white spruce as its Christmas tree from Nova Scotia.
Mayor Wu’s Role in the Ceremony
Wu will be the first Boston mayor to attend and take part in the tree cutting ceremony, highlighting the deep connection between the two regions.
“For well over a century, Boston and Nova Scotia have shared a special bond of neighborly care and friendship,” Wu said. “I’m honored this year to visit our neighbors to the north for the first time and deliver a personal thank you on behalf of the people of Boston for continuing this partnership and connection that transcends boundaries and generations.”
Previous International Engagements
This trip marks Wu’s second international outing as mayor, following her 2024 visit to Rome with Governor Maura Healey and other Massachusetts officials for a climate conference at the Vatican.
Author's summary: Mayor Michelle Wu’s Nova Scotia visit after reelection underscores the longstanding friendship and historic gratitude shared between Boston and Nova Scotia through the annual Christmas tree tradition.