The Council in Vilches, Jaén province, has decided to forgo the traditional Christmas lighting this year in favour of providing employment for five local people for one month.
The decision was announced by the Councillor for Employment and Fiestas, Aurelio Herrera, the Council believing that the money would be better spent helping those in need during these times of financial crisis.
Once the olive harvest is completed, there will be a public lottery and five people will be awarded one month contracts to carry out various maintenance tasks for the Council.
Last year, Vilches Council spent around €9,000 on Christmas lighting.