The first joint carol was held in Odesa

The first joint caroling on the Coast of Freedom, organized by the Vyshyvanka Festival NGO, took place in the center of Odesa on December 25.

According to the head of the organization, Natalia Mozharova, the event united residents and guests of the city around a common Christmas tradition - caroling.

According to the organizers, more than 1,000 people took part in the caroling.

The procession was led by singing groups from Odesa and the region. They set the rhythm and mood of the event, which was joined by everyone. Participants picked up carols using the printed texts and sang together in motion.

An important part of the event was the bright Christmas stars, many of which were handmade. They created a recognizable visual image of the carol and filled the route with a festive atmosphere. Families with children, friends, people of all ages, guests of the city, and those who came alone joined the Joint Carol. The event was open to everyone and did not require any special preparation - just a desire to be together was enough. During the procession, authentic versions of carols from the South of Ukraine, a modern author's carol, and a carol dedicated to Ukrainian defenders were performed.

Natalia Mazharova noted that the South of Ukraine today is dynamically and consciously getting rid of Russian cultural layers. New Ukrainian traditions, which are alive and understandable today, should replace the old ones.

"Tradition is not born by itself. It appears when someone does it. When people gather, sing, walk together and repeat it year after year. That's why the organizers wanted to create simple conditions in Odesa: to have someone to sing carols with, where and how," she said.

The organizers thanked all the teams, participants, and partners who contributed to the event and helped to ensure that it was held in compliance with safety requirements.

Кирило Бойко