Sofia lights up the Christmas tree (video)

The Christmas tree in Sofia was lit up on 1st of December.

The tree lighting ceremony was attended by the Mayor of Sofia, Yordanka Fandakova. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the state of epidemic emergency introduced in Bulgaria, there was no festive programme or musical performances around the Christmas tree located in the park of the National Palace of Culture.

"Without fireworks, without a festive programme, but with a lot of faith, this year we illuminate the lights of the Christmas tree in Sofia. Faith in the power of kindness. We are confident that together we save lives," Sofia Mayor Yordanka Fandakova said.

The tree is a 20-year-old fir, about 12 metres high. It is decorated with 800 metres of glowing garlands.

Five doctors from the Covid-19 wards of municipal hospitals were also present at the ceremony to turn on the lights. Fandakova thanked them for the care.

The traditional holiday concert on the square will not take place on New Year's Eve, the mayor said. "We believe that we will all find the best way to be with our loved ones, to make the children happy. I wish good health to all the people of Sofia and strength to go through this great ordeal together," she added.

For the second year in a row, the Christmas trees of the talents of Stoyan Kambarev Foundation were lit up at the same time with the big Christmas tree. This year their charity event is aimed at gifted children from families in need, that have many children.