To find a relevant idea to involve citizens of Madrid in the City Council Xmas campaign.A Xmas related idea but not a cliché. We create a concept for a participatory action that fulfilled the challenge: The wishing tree that grows with the wishes of Madrid citizens.

Starting December 21st, a huge Christmas tree kept growing in the Retiro Park in Madrid, thanks to the participation of the citizens who went to set down their wishes for 2008, written down on helium balloons; the tree got to a height of 32metres.21 actors dressed up like gardener elves, with their giant snails, they welcomed the visitors, made easy, and made the process emotional and fun. This was a very moving experience for all participants.Action ended up in a special ceremony, the tree opened up and all the balloons were released: all wishes flew in the Madrid sky.

During the 17 days that the tree was in place, more than 120,000 people visited it and wrote their wishes in a total of more than 49,000 balloons. Due to the success of this action, the participation had to be limited to one balloon per family.On January the 6th (holly kings day) over 40,000 people attended the event of balloons release, to see their wishes flow.Action got media coverage in 3 main newspapers (ElPais, ElMundo, ABC) and appeared in the news on main TV chains. Madrid’s City Council wants to establish this activity, as a Madrid Christmas tradition.