Evolution of Belarus’ biggest Christmas tree

From a live tree from the Belovezhskaya Pushcha in 2001 to a high-tech beauty with dynamically lit decorations, sparkling even in the daytime, in 2018. In anticipation of the holiday season, we decided to flip through photo albums to see how the Christmas tree in the Minsk central square has evolved.

The history of the country’s main Christmas tree in Oktyabrskaya Square began in 2001: back then the city welcomed a 30-meter forest beauty from the Belovezhskaya Pushcha National Park. Later, in 2004, the city decided in favor of an artificial tree based on a special frame with thousands of small and large branches attached . Today the tree is decorated with colorful balls: before that the decor was limited to lighted garlands.

The first artificial Christmas tree was installed in Oktyabrskaya Square in 2006. The 33-meter tree was decorated with glitter balls, snowflakes and lighted garlands. In 2008 the tree got a topper, while decorations were redesigned to glare with flat snowflakes and stars coated with shining metalized film. Apart from that, thousands of little lights flashing one by one over the Christmas tree served to create a festive atmosphere.

The tree had been completely redesigned as it welcomed the year 2011: flat decorations were replaced by balls, stars, bells, candles and bows. The major Christmas symbol of Minsk grew bigger: the frame of the tree was extended by two meters, while the decorations were the biggest over the 10-year history of the tree.

The eve of the year 2014 was special: the city was preparing to host the IIHF World Ice Hockey Championship. Therefore, the central Christmas tree was decorated with toys bearing the logo of the forthcoming sports events with a special focus on the mascot – Bison Volat.

Minsk saw off the Year of Hospitality with Belarusian ornaments and decorations featuring Belarus’ landmarks (including Brest Fortress, Mir Castle and Nesvizh Castle, Sophia Cathedral in Polotsk, Belovezhskaya Pushcha). The New Year “mini excursion” around the country, which everyone could take by just going around the Christmas tree, was the main highlight of the holiday season to ring in 2015.

Recently the decorations of the country’s biggest Christmas tree have become more high-tech. Illumination elements brought joy to Belarusians and guests of the county on the eve of 2017 and 2018.

Very little is left until we see the Christmas tree which will usher in 2019.

Photo: Belarus’ Christmas tree in 2011