Pine Cone Christmas Tree

By: Danny Chung

It all started when Mrs. Paulita Figueroa had the thought to revive an old Christmas tree idea from Mr. Francisco Díaz, widely known as “Pancho,” who  has been a florist for over a decade and brings much experience to the table. With the idea in hand, it was time to gather all the necessary components.

Pancho and Mr. Eluterio Garcia set out on a trip to the Mountain Pine Ridge with one mission: gather as much pine cones as possible. Subsequent trips were taken by Mr. Eddy Estrada, Mr. Esteban Ventura, and Mr. Ronny Sanchez. After hours and hours of compiling, they were able to collect hundreds of pine cones that filled five large drums. The pine cones were then thoroughly washed and allowed to dry in the warm Belizean sunlight. After the drying, they were sprayed on with coats of varnish to give it that sparkle and shine that the pine cones deserve.

There were two steel frames that were brought in. The process then really began to take shape. Pancho, Eluterio, Eddy, Esteban, Ronny, Umberto, and Nancy came together and began to assemble the pine cone tree. The pine cones were tied to the frame with wires. When  all the pine cones were placed accordingly, sets of Christmas lights were installed. It was a task that required great time, effort and patience.

There were two steel frames that were brought in. The process then really began to take shape. Mr. Francisco, Mr. Eluterio, Mr. Eddy, Mr. Esteban, Mr. Ronny, Mr. Humberto, and Ms. Nancy came together and began to assemble the pine cone tree. The pine cones were tied to the frame with wires. When that all the pine cones were placed accordingly, sets of Christmas lights were installed. It was a task that required great time, effort and patience. 

Our friends at the Pine Lumber Company were kind enough to donate two pine tree trunks for us to use for the base of our pine cone Christmas tree project. 

The first tree was to be placed as the centerpiece of the lobby. We believe it was fitting for the season. The first tree stands majestically at eight feet from the ground up. While the second tree was a bit smaller, standing at seven feet six inches. The second tree was placed at the entrance of the Running W Steakhouse. 

All of the pine cones used in this project were fallen pine cones picked up from the ground rather than taken off from the tree. Both trees are eco-friendly and green which in turn ties with San Ignacio Resort Hotel’s mission of conservation and preservation with luxury in mind.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank Mrs. Paulita and here creative team for their efforts in adorning the hotel with such a masterpiece.

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