Richard Gere has been revealed as the guest of honour at the official switching on of Murcia’s Christmas lights this year.
The Pretty Woman star, 76, will light up the historic city’s Christmas tree in Plaza Circular on Friday, November 28.
Murcia, on the Costa Blanca, is hugely popular with British expats and tourists, with many expected to flock to the event to get a glimpse of Gere.
The Hollywood icon lives in Madrid with his Spanish wife and businesswoman Alejandra Silva. She is expected to accompany him.
His appearance at this year’s festivities will coincide with the city of Murcia turning 1,200 years old, with a slew of celebratory events planned.
Mayor Jose Ballesta has been working to raise Murcia’s national profile during the holiday season since 2023, when tennis world number one Carlos Alcaraz activated the tree with a dramatic tennis forehand.
Gere, who rose to fame with An Officer and a Gentleman before starring in string of box office hits, is expected to draw big crowds.
Gere’s presence is tied to his involvement with Hogar Sí, a foundation advocating for the right to housing and highlighting that a person experiencing homelessness dies every six days in Spain.
The actor appears prominently in the charity’s current campaign, which calls for ending homelessness by 2030.
Gere’s visit to Murcia forms part of a week of events aimed at raising visibility and generating support for the cause.
The city’s Christmas switch-on is expected to draw thousands to the Plaza Circular, with local authorities preparing additional security and logistical measures.
