The main Christmas tree of the regional center lit up in Vitebsk

December 24, Vitebsk / Sergey Kochetov - BELTA /. Chairman of the Vitebsk City Executive Committee Viktor Nikolaikin perfectly fulfilled the unusual role of Ded Moroz (Grandfather Frost) for himself and lit the main Christmas tree of the regional center on the renovated Victory Square, a BELTA correspondent reports. In Vitebsk, the "New Year's Relay Race" of various festive events officially started today and will last until January 7. The solemn ceremony was opened by a colorful parade with the participation of over 200 Ded Morozes and Snegurochkas (Snow Maidens), as well as other fairy-tale characters, without whom no New Year's celebration is complete. The festive procession went from Freedom Square to the center of the celebration along the main street of Vitebsk, accompanied by hundreds of townspeople. At Victory Square, together with the chairman of the city executive committee, former city leaders and representatives of the younger generation, for whom the outgoing year was marked by victories in numerous olympiads, competitions, and sports events, greeted the Vitebsk residents. They became co-participants in the ceremony of lighting the main city Christmas tree, which, for the first time in the history of the regional center, is also installed on Victory Square. Mass folk festivals are taking place around the Christmas tree, which is sparkling in its New Year's attire. The organizers have prepared an extensive entertainment program for people of all ages. Trade rows, including those with souvenirs, as well as field kitchens, have also been set up here. New Year's events will continue in the following days at all concert venues and cultural institutions in Vitebsk. For example, the "Vitebsk" Cultural Center invites children and their parents to the musical fantasy "Pranks of Lushka the House Spirit" and the fairy tale "The Secret of the New Year Tree." Young people are invited to "Turn on the New Year" together at festive discos in the "Vitebsk" concert hall. Those who prefer celebrating outdoors are invited by the administration of the Soviet Army Park. Ski and Finnish sledge rental points will be open here, and outdoor trade will be organized. -0-