On St. Nicholas Day, December 19, the main Christmas tree was opened at Festivalna square and the second regional New Year and Christmas festival began. A special highlight was the establishment of a religious borough “Christmas crib” for the first time in recent history of the city.
On St. Nicholas Day, December 19, the main Christmas tree was opened at Festivalna square and the second regional New Year and Christmas festival began. A special highlight was the establishment of a religious borough “Christmas crib” for the first time in recent history of the city.
In the festively decorated area there are several thematic dedicated locations, one can have fun at the amusement park, treat oneself to delicious food in trade rows, buy souvenirs and funny gifts from folk artists, and learn about the spiritual content of the Nativity at the religious borough. Its operation was prepared and provided by joint efforts of various religious communities of Zaporizhzhia, combined by the Religious Council of Christian Churches of Zaporizhzhia and supported by the Department of Culture, Tourism, Religions and Nationalities to the Regional State Administration.
“Together we were able to make a beautiful installation,” coordinator of many joint religious activities, representative of the church “Zion” Tetiana Yarmoschuk told to a RISU correspondent. “The bright panels have been mounted, a crib has been made of hay in the folk style, a Nativity scene with figures of baby Jesus, Mary and St. Joseph with lambs that glow have been installed. Representatives of various religious communities are constantly on duty in two wooden houses, a schedule has been made up so all of them could congratulate the residents of Zaporizhzhia. On the first day of the festival treated the residents of Zaporizhzhia to some hot tea with cakes, played thematic games, everyone could get a greeting with a quote from the Bible.”
Regional creative teams will demonstrate on big stage their Christmas program, performing the nativity scenes as it has been done in Zaporizhzhia villages for ages. Religious communities have the opportunity to present their program on the big stage.