Landmarks across the globe lit blue and white for Hanukkah’s first night

ABC(NEW YORK) — Buildings and bridges across the world were bathed in blue and white light Tuesday night in honor of the first night of Hanukkah.

From New York City to Winnipeg, Manitoba to Tel Aviv, the eight-day Jewish “festival of lights” is staying true to its nickname and lighting up cities of all sizes.

The Empire State Building was lit blue and white, with red light in its antenna, meant to represent a flickering candle. During Hanukkah, one candle of a menorah is lit each night.

In Israel, Tel Aviv City Hall’s exterior was lit up in the shape of a menorah, with one candle lit. The city’s official Twitter account simply tweeted, “Here we go! #HappyHanukkah.”

In Winnipeg, the city’s “Winnipeg” iconic 8 foot-by-53 foot sign, was illuminated in blue and white. “Tonight marks the beginning of #Hanukkah,” tweeted Winnipeg Mayor Brian Bowman. “To celebrate the #WinnipegSign will be blue & white for the duration of the Festival of Lights!”

In Philadelphia, Mayor Jim Kenney attended a Hanukkah lighting at Boathouse Row, a historic site located on the east bank of the Schuylkill River. “Celebrating the first night of Hanukkah at the Boathouse Row lighting tonight! Wishing a happy holiday to everyone celebrating,” Kenney tweeted.

The Benjamin Franklin Bridge — a suspension bridge across the Delaware River connecting Philadelphia and Camden, New Jersey — was also lit blue and white in honor of Hanukkah. ABC affiliate WPVI-TV tweeted video of the bridge’s twinkling lights.

Other structures lit blue and white for Hanukkah include the U.S. Bank Tower in downtown Los Angeles, the Lowry Avenue Bridge in Minneapolis, Orlando’s Orlando Eye and the High Level Bridge in Edmonton, Alberta.

Copyright © 2017, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.

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