The Voronezh government have announced the programme of festive events for the New Year and Christmas holidays. The New Year festival will be celebrated on a large scale in the capital of the Black Earth region: The official schedule has been published on the website of the city administration and is 20 pages long. Each city district will take part in the festivities. Voronezh citizens will have the chance to participate in open-air celebrations in the city centre, watch street performances that will tell the audience stories about the main characters of the New Year Eve, and enjoy a Ded Moroz (Grandfather Frost aka Father Christmas) parade.
Between 23 and 24 December, a Coca Cola Christmas cavalcade will travel along Lenin street (near the Pedagogical University), Lenin square, and the Grad shopping centre.
On 24 December at 11.45, a Ded Moroz parade will be held in the city. This year, one of the most spectacular New Year events will take place at Lenin square. It will start at the puppet theatre (50 Prospekt Revolutsii). Traditionally, the event will include circle dancing, a best costume contest, and a “New Year card” photo session. An entertaining programme has also been developed for the audience.
The Ded Moroz parade has become a traditional major event of the New Year festivities in Voronezh. This year, it will be held for the seventh time. The first time it was organised it gathered about 100 participants, last year over 200 people took part in the event.
On 31 December, at 16.30, the official opening ceremony of the city's main Christmas tree will take place at Lenin square. It will be followed by a concert. During the holidays, various events will be held on the stage at Lenin square. All concerts will start at 13.30.
On the night of 6 December, carol service will be conducted in the churches of Voronezh. On 7 January, between 3 and 5 pm, Christmas festivities will be held at Lenin square. A special programme “Jesus Christ is born in Bethlehem” has been prepared for the festival. It was organised by the Nikolski diocese.
Festive events will be conducted in all parts of the city. The Voronezh authorities have prepared children’s plays, masquerades, performances, and even a figure skating show for the citizens of the city. Further information see here.
Further details can be found on http://www.moe-online.ru/news/view/354931.html and http://www.moe-online.ru/news/view/355041.html.
