New Year's Kyiv vs Christmas Europe

11 January 2016 • Travel time: with 02 January 2016 on 09 January 2016

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As I said, pre-Christmas Europe has passed. And then Polina_Sumy teases; ) Already the third look at the European Christmas fairs /forums/ discussion / 171916 / predrozhdestvenskaya_evropa_vzglyad__3 / p1 ), staruha_izergil remembers last year's trip to the festive Lviv and again campaigns for him < http://www.turpravda.com/ua/lvov/blog-107530.html ) . . .

And I was ~~for the state~~ for my native Kyiv insulting! He is still in the tenth century. was considered one of the largest cities in Europe, and now we are moving in that direction. Are we really bored and uninteresting? ! ! So I decided to dedicate the New Year holidays to researching this issue. And I'll tell you, the result suddenly pleased me - maybe not quite like in Europe, but there is progress! : ) Compare? ; )

The density of fairs per capita is 1:1.

Everyone knows that in large European cities, as a rule, there is not one, but several Christmas fairs.

So, for example, in Vienna the main fair is located on the Town Hall Square, and there is also on Maria Theresa Square, and in the Museum Quarter, and near Stephansdom, and in Schö nbrunn, etc. ( photo from here http:// www. kalipsoua. com/europa/fin/item/5064-christmas_wienna_bratislav.html? )

In the Czech Republic, you will find Christmas trees and Christmas nativity scenes in the Old Town and Wenceslas Squares, in Grad, on the island of Kampa ( photo from here http:// www. 7ya. ru / kaleidoscope / christmasfair / slide6 / ).

Christmas Budapest invites you to St. Stephen's Cathedral, in Ferenc Square, in Varoshliget Park ( photo from here http://www. budapestbylocals. com/christmas-markets-in-budapest.html ).

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And in London, wanting to cover all the festive entertainment, you will be torn between Trafalgar Square, Hyde Park, the Tower and Covent Garden. : )) ( фото отсюда http:// www. 7ya. Ru / kaleidoscope / christmasfair / slide4 / )

As it turned out, the situation in Kiev for these New Year holidays is not worse.

For the second year in a row, the country's main Christmas tree has traditionally been located on Sofia Square, where this time the festival " New Year between two bell towers " is taking place.

But now the fair continues to Mikhailovskaya Square, where the main entertainment attractions are concentrated.

Two fairs meet you in Podil at once - on Kontraktova Square " Made in Ukraine "

and "European Winter" at the Post Square.

There were days of Great Britain, Germany, Spain, Italy and, of course, Ukraine during the whole period of the fair. We came here during the days of Italy.

However, the frost at that time was -15 ° C and the atmosphere of the hot Apennine Peninsula was somehow not felt. But there were few people. ; )

Chamber lovers and couples in love felt very comfortable at the " Christmas Christmas in Shevchenko Park ". Here, in addition to the traditional Christmas tree, nativity scene and snowmen with snowflakes, the Alley of Lovers was arranged,

где можно it was only to enjoy each other on such amusing benches.

Well, fans of active recreation were waiting for the "Olympic Town" near our central stadium of the NSC "Olympic".

And I do not mention the individual fairs and festivals that took place in shopping malls and VDNH. Therefore, our account with Europe in this position is equal.

2. Information support - 1:1.

The long-standing tradition of Christmas fairs in Europe has led to the fact that each more or less self-respecting fair has its own website with a schedule of all festive events, as they say, for the year ahead. For example, the website of the Vienna Fair in Maria Theresa Square already has an announcement that the next Christmas Fair will open here on November 16.2016 and will last until December 26. ; )

Of course, not everything is set up like that, but there was enough information about New Year's fairs and festivals. Each of the current fairs has acquired at least a Facebook page, and some have set up their own website. Moreover, such a mini-guide to Kiev entertainment venues has been released.

So here too the account is equal!

3. Weather conditions - 1:0.

Anticipating accusations of voluntarism and subjugation to my hometown, I refrained from wanting to score 2:0 in our favor! : )) Because in Europe, snow and frost, ie winter entourage, which plays not the least role in creating a festive Christmas mood, you will not find fire in the afternoon! Well, except in Scandinavia and the Baltics.

Tallinn, Estonia

And if you go south, these components are very rare. I have the impression that when it snows during the Christmas fairs, all the photographers run there (until it melts), take pictures and then proudly post them on the sites - that's how they say we have everything beautiful and winter (< em> фото отсюда http:// www. 7ya. ru / kaleidoscope / christmasfair / slide3 / ).

Dresden, Germany

But in fact the delightful Viennese illumination is reflected in the puddles… ( photo from here http:// www. 7ya. ru / kaleidoscope / christmasfair / slide9 / ).

Is it the case in Kiev - and the snow and frost on the full program pleased. So the most natural snow was added to our natural Christmas trees.

And the city became even more beautiful and magical.

Even an ordinary Scythian woman in the snow looks like a New Year's Snow Maiden. ; )

And the Dnieper, which, according to Nikolai Gogol, is wonderful in calm weather, "when it rushes freely and smoothly… full of its waters", in winter looks much more organic under the ice cover.

Well, the frost, which reached the mark of -17 ° C, made the use of punch and mulled wine not just a tribute to fair traditions, but a vital necessity. And the people at the fair on such days are much smaller - you can walk without the crowd, calmly consider everything and take pictures. ; )

So Forgive me generously, but here Kiev's superiority over Europe is significant and indisputable.

4. Festive entourage - 1:1.

And on this parameter Kyiv was also at the level. Natural Christmas trees have been installed in almost all areas

Against this background, I remember with horror the Christmas tree, in my opinion, 2012, similar to a cone wrapped in multicolored carpet.

The number of illuminations and garlands suggested that the energy crisis in the new year has been successfully overcome.

However, many sponsors of the festive decoration of the city wanted to express themselves as loudly as possible (read - brighter), so we saw Rafaello's glowing candies in all sorts; )

Gingerbread cookies - in large quantities and in solid size right on the Christmas tree! ; )

Christmas nativity scenes may not be everywhere, but they were. True, all drawn - without living animals, but the trouble is beginning!

Wooden fair houses were pleasing to the eye with their neatness and variety.

5. Entertainment - 1:1.

Here, too, everything is like adults - carousels everywhere!

Would you like an open-air skating rink - please! Turn straight! : ))

And even if you're not very confident about skating, don't let that stop you.

The residence of St. Nicholas is also present.

And let it be sponsored by Novaya Pochta, but for children it does not diminish its significance!

And even adults and serious people lined up to take pictures with Santa Claus in his photo studio, located in a large Christmas ball advertising another sponsor.

And locomotives, horses, fairy-tale characters, etc.

6. Assortment - 0:1.

It seems to me that we are still not up to Europe on this parameter. There, the tradition speaks for itself - there should be goods at the fair, and only then entertainment, food, etc. And now let the goods have become mostly souvenirs, but there are many ( photo from here http://www. gazeta. ru / elka2014 / 2013/11 / 15_a_5754593.

shtml and from here http:// www. lookatme. ru / flow / all / we-wish-you-a-merry-christmas-and-a-happy-new-year / 58393-luchshie-rozhdestvenskie-yarmarki-evropei ).

Cologne, Germany

Belgium

In our case, the emphasis is more on the cultural program and food.

Although, of course, souvenirs can also be found at fairs. But somehow not enough…

That's why I scored in favor of European fairs.

7. Cultural and educational program - 1:1.

When heading to Europe, even to visit fairs, most tourists expect to discover new attractions and cultural sites. And in most cases without leaving the holiday events.

And there it is easy, because the fairs are usually in the historic center and around the main attractions ( photo from here http: / / www. tourprestige. ru/christmas_fares/ ).

Paris, France

However, there will be no problems with the excursion program in Kyiv either. Walking through Shevchenko Park you will be able to admire the monument to our Kobzar.

And also the famous Red Building of the University of his name.

The Vladimir Cathedral is located nearby, where you can take a look at the Christmas service (we did so, receiving a lot of positive emotions and feeling the spiritual component of the holiday)

And going on the street.

Vladimirskaya to the Christmas fair on Sofia Square, you can enjoy the pleasant architectural forms of our Opera House, which, in my humble opinion, looks no worse than its European counterparts (sorry for the quality, the photo was taken from the car).

Well, our two central holiday squares don't need to be presented. Here is a business card of Kiev - St. Sophia Cathedral

with the famous bell tower (if you have the strength, climb it and the whole fair will be in front of you in the palm of your hand)

And a monument to Bogdan Khmelnytsky with a mace, pointing, according to old legend, towards Moscow.

However, now a more popular legend is that the hetman's mace should have threatened Poland.

But in such a setting, the commander's horse was very incorrectly turned its tail directly to St. Michael's Cathedral. And in order to smooth out the whole thing, the monument was slightly unfolded, and now the mace is pointing somewhere in the direction of Sweden. I have not personally verified the truth of any of the legends, but I have an intention to walk around Bohdan Khmelnytsky with a compass after the holidays and clarify the geographical truth for myself! ; )

On Mikhailovsky Square there is another historical monument - the famous Kiev princess Olga.

And, of course, St. Michael's Cathedral.

My recommendation - do not be lazy to go inside. After the noisy bustle of the holiday fair, you will be immersed in silence and tranquility, imbued with the spirit of the holiday.

And from the Vladimir hill behind the cathedral you will be able to admire the Hem (if, of course, you see it through the trees; )).

Or go down to the Podolsk fairs on the Kiev funicular. However, keep in mind that, since this is the shortest way between fairs, you will not only want to use the funicular - you will have to wait a bit. : ))

And there are gorgeous views of the Dnieper,

and the pearl of the Baroque - St. Andrew's Church,

and the first and, as they say, the only church in Ukraine on the water - the Church of St. Nicholas on the water

and to the bell tower of St. Catherine's Monastery on Kontraktova Square.

If you are drawn to the museum, but the soul will ask for something light and festive, welcome to the Museum of the History of Kiev (it is very close - near the metro station "Theatrical"), where the exhibition "Christmas Tale" end of the XIX century. ». There you can admire women's costumes and accessories of the mid-XIX - early XX centuries. To be horrified at how cold it was for the young ladies in their coats at the time (even on swan down).

Admire holiday dresses for going out into the light.

Admire the elegant ball capes (even then they were decorated with mink).

And at the same time fall in love with the beautiful Christmas tree decorations and cards.

Perhaps a little primitive in our modern view, but so straightforward and sincere.

So on this point we have a fraternal draw with Europe.

8. Availability - 1:0.

I think the advantages of Kiev in this matter are clear! ; )) First, you do not need to open any visas to visit our wonderful city. Secondly, to get to Kiev Christmas fairs, no matter how cool, in most cases closer than to European ones. And third in order, but, perhaps, in the main in importance - we have cheaper! And accommodation, and travel, and souvenirs, and delicacies ! : )))

And let us not yet have branded Christmas cups that you can take home as a souvenir (photo from here http://www. nancydbrown. com/2015/01/30/vienna-austria-christmas-markets.html )

And paper cups only sometimes have the symbols of a fair.

They often look like this

or even so.

But we have a great desire to make our holidays better, more beautiful and happier. Especially now! And so among the traditional set of punches and mulled wines with cherries, tangerines, raspberries, pomegranates at our fair, you will find such a drink.

Summary - 7:6.

Summing up, I want to say - perhaps the bill received in favor of Kiev slightly reflects my desire to pass off what is desired as real and largely inspired by love for my hometown. And the third-party reader will find a lot of disadvantages that will equalize this account or turn in the opposite direction. But in any case, when you plan your " Christmas Route 2016-2017 ", add Kyiv to it.

Suddenly you like it here? ! !

For now, everyone with the coming Old New Year and Welcome to Kyiv ! : )))

Translated automatically from Ukrainian. View original