-4 Kyiv
"We were pleasantly surprised by how many people from different communities across Ukraine, including frontline areas, wanted to join in and revive our ancient winter tradition. Thanks to them, the Christmas procession with caroling stars took place in Odesa, Kharkiv, and communities in Chernihiv, Zaporizhzhia, Mykolaiv and Kyiv regions. Even in frontline Zaporizhzhia. At the same time, several more communities in the Vinnytsia, Sumy, Dnipro, Khmelnytskyi and Ivano-Frankivsk regions are at the preparation stage and plan to hold festive events by the end of this year", – Korobko said.
He noted that the central element of the Christmas procession was large caroling stars, which residents of 15 communities received from Know Your Ukraine project.
"The key element of the procession was large Christmas stars – a traditional attribute of carolers. As part of a competition organized by Know Your Ukraine, with the support of donors, 15 communities received stars that they could decorate together and use during the procession. We provided people with the attributes and knowledge about this ancient tradition, and they took care of everything else themselves. They gathered people, put on costumes with elements of traditional clothing, and organized the procession in their town or village. Once again, we were convinced that Ukrainians love and value their traditions and culture. People just need to be reminded of our roots – they will do the rest themselves", – Korobko added.
Ahead of Christmas, Know Your Ukraine project announced a nationwide competition for community residents. More than 100 civic, cultural and youth organizations took part in the selection process, with 15 winners ultimately chosen.
