Christmas Holidays in Lviv

     Dear Sarah,

    As far as I know, you’re a culture vulture and I would like to invite you to Ukraine, Lviv, and to join me and my family, as we are planning to visit annual celebrations of Christmas Holidays there.

    Lviv has always cherished it’s traditional Ukrainian culture, that’s why the festivities on Christmas are very special, atmospheric here. All people in ancient customs and very much enjoy new, but at the same time very traditional Ukrainian Christmas games and other spectacular entertainments.

    In the Museum of Folk Architecture and Rural Life, a traditional festival “Christmas star shine” takes place (the 7^th of January,Museum of Folk Architecture and Rural Life (Chernecha Hora st., 1), the 8^th of January – the center of the city (Rynok square, Prospect Svobody, St. George Square).

This festival renews an ancient tradition: Ukrainians used to make big (1,5 -  2  meters) Christmas stars, which are the main symbols of Christmas. Another traditional festival in Lviv is the called “A Great Carol” (January 7-30, 2012; 16, 23, 30 of January – the main concerts). This festival traditionally takes place in the St. Eucharist Church (Museina square, 3). In this year festival, special attention is paid to old Ukrainian customs, and carols in particular. Obviously, many customs have their origin in pagan ceremonies.

    Another special event is The Annual Christmas Fair, which is a center of celebration and offers many interesting and at the same time flamboyant events: carols, games,  mulled wine; there is always a great variety of sweets, including chocolate for those  who have a sweet tooth; a traditional Ukrainian meal “varenyky”, souvenirs and presents, and of course a warm festive atmosphere. For citizens of Lviv and visitors of the city there will be a great variety of goods: pysanky, traditional Ukrainian embroidered shirts, pottery, national Ukrainian clothing, and hand-made jewelry. A great Christmas atmosphere will be created with little wooden booths, which have become in Ukraine, as well as in Europe, the symbols of Christmas.

    So, don’t hesitate and buy a ticket beforehand. I am looking forward to hearing from you.

Love,

Katia.