It is the third time that Ximenez Group and UMILES, the Spanish company leading drone shows in Europe, have inaugurated Christmas in one of the cities most committed to innovation and technology during key festive periods
The partnership with Ximenez Group, an international benchmark in artistic lighting, has turned this show into an immersive and sustainable experience that boosts the city’s Christmas programme
Last Saturday, the sky of Córdoba shone thanks to a drone light show that brought together hundreds of residents and visitors along Acera Mira al Río, near the Calahorra Tower. The display, entitled “A Christmas Tale”, also marked the start of the special programme celebrating the 31st anniversary of the Historic Centre’s designation as a World Heritage Site.
UMILES, which operates its own fleet of 2,000 drones, delivered two performances in partnership with Ximenez Group — at 7:00 pm and 8:00 pm — in which 150 synchronised drones brought to life a visual narrative of 11 figures combining Christmas motifs with the cultural and monumental richness of the Historic Centre. Each session lasted approximately 15 minutes and offered an immersive experience with no loud noise, no waste and full respect for the environment.
“For Ximenez Group, it is a source of pride that Córdoba, our homeland, once again becomes the setting for a show that blends Christmas tradition with innovation. This drone show demonstrates how light can evolve without losing its essence: to move and unite people. Thanks to our partnership with UMILES, we are bringing the magic of Christmas to the skies of Córdoba in a completely new way,” said Francisco Jaén, Director of Operations at Ximenez Group.
This was the third show carried out by UMILES in Córdoba, always during the Christmas season, consolidating the city as one of the locations most committed to innovative and sustainable visual experiences at this time of year.
“Returning to Córdoba is always special for us, and being able to do so for the third consecutive year makes it even more so,” explained Ernesto Albacete, Commercial Director of UMILES. “It is a magical city in which to combine history, tradition and culture with the innovation and spectacle of a drone show.”
How a show combining tradition and innovation was created
The technical setup of the show was particularly complex and meticulous, combining innovation, safety and sustainability. Each drone was equipped with RGBW LED systems of up to 24W and visibility exceeding 1 km, enabling the creation of 3D figures and light sequences synchronised with music. The fleet operated under strict safety protocols, including a minimum separation of 2 metres between drones, automatic failsafe systems in the event of loss of communication or battery, and virtual flight boundaries to ensure the safety of both the audience and operators.
The show design was prepared months in advance through collaboration between UMILES, Ximenez Group and Córdoba City Council. Eleven figures representing both the city’s heritage and Christmas motifs were meticulously designed so that residents could enjoy a show which, for the past three years, has officially kicked off Christmas in Córdoba, fusing drone technology with the history of the Andalusian city.
A Spanish company, European leader in drone shows
Since its first performance in 2019, UMILES has produced more than 500 shows in Spain and internationally, including large-scale displays at events such as the wedding of Tamara Falcó, film premieres including Superman for Warner Bros and Mufasa for Disney, several appearances on El Hormiguero, and Spain’s first recurring drone show at a theme park, PortAventura.
The company, a pioneer in Spain and Europe in drone shows, has its own fleet of nearly 2,000 drones and can operate more than 1,000 drones simultaneously. This capability has enabled it to design high-impact visual shows in countries such as Mexico, Denmark, Portugal, Belgium, Chile and Cuba, among others.
About Ximenez Group
Ximenez Group is the leading company in artistic and decorative lighting at national level and an international benchmark, with more than 80 years of experience transforming public and private spaces into unique experiences through light. Founded in Puente Genil (Córdoba), the company has evolved continuously thanks to its firm commitment to innovation, developing proprietary technological solutions that combine creativity, efficiency and sustainability. Its commitment to the future is reflected in initiatives such as Ecogreenlux, a patented system that reduces light pollution and energy consumption, and in its constant pursuit of ways to inspire and positively impact communities while always caring for the environment.
