The main Christmas tree of the city was lit in Odesa

The Christmas tree in Odesa was lit on December 6, St. Nicholas Day, with a concert and performance by headliner Mila Nitich.

According to an Intent correspondent, this year the tree was opened not with the participation of Odesa Mayor Gennadiy Trukhanov, but with the participation of the head of the Odesa City Military Administration, Serhiy Lysak, who was also named the initiator of the holiday.

"In general, children like the holiday. There was a very touching minute of silence as people sang the national anthem. There were especially many children in the front row," noted the Intent correspondent.

For his part, Odesa's interim mayor, Igor Koval, noted that the holiday is also dedicated to the defenders of Ukraine. December 6 is the Day of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

"Of course, today we remember our defenders, thanks to whom we can light this Christmas tree," said Acting Mayor Ihor Koval during the event.

Before the full-scale invasion, the New Year's symbols were set up on Birzhova Square, in front of the city council. Then it was moved to Deribasovskaya Street, and this year the location of Odesa's main Christmas tree was changed. Instead of the usual Deribasovskaya Street, it shone on Greek Square. The tree is again taller than the main Christmas tree in the country - 20 meters and nine meters wide. The top is traditionally crowned with a Christmas star. This year, the tree is also decorated with stylized elements of traditional Ukrainian ornamentation and a blue and yellow ribbon. Several New Year's zones have also been set up nearby.

In addition to Odesa, the Christmas tree was lit on December 6 in Chornomorsk. In Kyiv, the country's main Christmas tree was lit on December 5. It is a 16-meter-high artificial tree decorated in pastel colors. It is decorated with 4.5 thousand toys and is illuminated with garland.

Кирило Бойко