Christmas lights switched on in Chisinau's Botanica district

Christmas lights have been switched on today on Christmas Eve in Chisinau's Botanica district in a ceremony outside the district head's office, attended by a sea of children. The joyful atmosphere was created by the folk ensembles, including “Haiducii”, “Mioriţa”, and “Iedera”, as well as children's bands. They sang carols, recited traditional poems and played folk sketches. Santa also joined the event to give out gifts to the children. Botanica's district head Vladimir Guritenco wished the crowd to have “everything the best, warmth, light and peace, and great joy in the coming year”. The events dedicated to the celebration of the winter holidays will continue over the next days. They also have a charity component, supported by kindhearted businessmen dealing in the district. The children left without parental care, children from vulnerable and numerous families will receive gifts from Santa, including clothes, sweets, and other foods, said Victoria Ionita, head at the district's child protection division. On Thursday, December 25, Santa will pay visits to bed-confined children.