A solemn Christmas procession with stars will take place in Kyiv on December 25, aimed at continuing Ukrainian Christmas and New Year traditions and uniting people during wartime.
This is reported by Kyiv24
Purpose of the Event and Historical Context
Participants in the procession will carry stars to honor the memory of fallen defenders of Ukraine – the Warriors of Light. The organizers emphasize that this event symbolizes the resilience of Ukrainian traditions, which are preserved despite age-old prohibitions and the enemy’s attempts to destroy national identity. By preserving and reviving ancient rituals, Ukrainians provide a worthy response in the fight for justice and freedom.
“People will carry stars for those who fell for Ukraine — for our Warriors of Light.”
The Christmas procession with stars in Kyiv first took place in 2014 during the Revolution of Dignity. The tradition of festive carols and nativity scenes with Christmas stars dates back to the 17th century. Today, in various cities and villages across Ukraine, children and adults sing carols and shchedrivky while carrying painted multicolored stars. The Christmas star symbolizes the Bethlehem star that announced the birth of Christ and the victory of light over darkness.
Event Program and Route of the Procession
Everyone is invited to participate in the procession: families with children, folklore and choir groups, artists, as well as veterans and military personnel. Participants will collectively carry the light of Christmas through the capital, emphasizing the unity and spirit of the Ukrainian people.
The festive procession will be accompanied by carols performed by Kyiv bands “ShchukaRyba” and “Stodivnytsia,” as well as melodies of the Christmas bells that will ring from the main bell towers of Kyiv. At St. Sophia Square, participants will sing together the famous carol “Nova radist’ stala.”
The route of the procession will pass through significant locations in the capital: Mykhailivska Square — St. Sophia Square — Golden Gates — Volodymyrska Street — Opera House — Bohdan Khmelnytsky Street — Khreshchatyk — Independence Square. Gathering of participants will begin at 12:00 at Mykhailivska Square.