Kyiv will have the country’s main Christmas tree and souvenirs, but no concerts and festivities
The New Year celebration in Kyiv will take place without concerts, mass festivities, and in compliance with quarantine rules because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Ukrinform reports, referring to the message of FolkUkraine, the organizer of New Year's celebration and other artistic events in Kyiv.
"If you follow the safety rules, street celebrations do not pose any threat. It is a symbol of the New Year and a tradition that we should not abolish. This season, the Cabinet of Ministers and the Chief Sanitary Doctor will guide us in our work," the company said.
They don't plan concerts and mass festivities. However, holiday locations will have small houses with warming drinks and souvenirs.
The organizers note that in case the government imposes stricter quarantine, all events, such as lighting the Christmas tree, reports from decorated locations, will be broadcast online. They also reported that they might fence the territory so that a few people could approach the Christmas tree.
The main Christmas tree on Sofiivska Square in Kyiv will be artificial and will cost 5-7 million hryvnias. Sponsors and advertisers funded it.
As in previous years, the main Ukrainian Christmas tree will be on Sofiivska Square. This year's theme is "Fairytale Forest" with its characters and themed decor (forest animals and fruits, like cones, nuts, icicles, snowflakes, and garlands).
The Christmas tree will have about 1,500 toys and 10 kilometers of garlands; the planned height is 31 meters.
This year, Kyiv residents will have three Christmas trees at once. The main Christmas tree of the country is on Sofiivska Square; the main Christmas tree of Kyiv near the Peoples' Friendship Arch and the Christmas tree on Kontraktova Square. The organizers are preparing a special route with Christmas locations, which combines all three main trees.
