This year, the traditional “Spark of the Christmas Star” festival returned to Lviv, uniting hundreds of locals and visitors from across Ukraine. This marked the first Starbearers’ Procession held during Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine.
Highlights of the Starbearers’ Procession
Participants began their route from Museum Square near the Church of the Holy Eucharist. The festive procession passed through Rynok Square and concluded at Lviv’s main Christmas tree, where attendees sang carols together. The Angel Square, home to the city’s didukh, served as a key stop along the way.
Reviving Tradition
The festival, launched in 2007, aims to promote the ancient tradition of crafting Christmas stars, particularly from the Nadsiannia region. Festival coordinator Nadiya Dzvonyk noted that new stars are created every year, reflecting contemporary trends while preserving traditional elements.
“Through the Starbearers’ Procession, we aim to showcase the richness of our culture to the world. This is our heritage, and we strive to continue it,” said Nadiya Dzvonyk.
Unique Stars and Costumes
Starbearers from various regions of Ukraine brought intricately crafted Christmas stars, vibrant costumes, and performed authentic carols.
“We’ve been participating for years. This year, we created a ‘Bandera-style’ star with dark green and red colors resembling the OUN flag,” shared Vasylina Svidrak from Kam’yanopil village.
A Warm Welcome
At City Hall, Deputy Mayor for Humanitarian Affairs Iryna Kulynych greeted the participants, thanked them for preserving traditions, and treated them to pampukhy (traditional donuts).
“This year, the Christmas star symbolizes faith and hope. Thanks to our defenders, we can continue these important traditions,” Iryna Kulynych remarked.
Event Organization
The “Spark of the Christmas Star” festival is organized by the NGO “Ukrainian Youth for Christ” with support from the Lviv City Council and the Training and Methodological Center of Culture and Arts of Lviv Region.