Eight New Year trees representing the federal districts of the country were lit at the National Centre RUSSIA

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Guests can admire traditional New Year trees at the entrance to the National Centre RUSSIA. There are eight of them, symbolizing the country’s federal districts. The magnificent blue spruces are adorned with elements inspired by folk crafts and traditional artisan techniques of the Russian people. The ceremonial lighting of these trees marked the symbolic start of the New Year season at the Centre.

Earlier, similar New Year trees decorated with elements of folk crafts were featured at the RUSSIA EXPO. A total of 89 trees from different regions, along with a tree symbolizing the entire country, were displayed on the main avenue of VDNH. These were not only a symbol of the New Year but also an embodiment of the history, achievements, traditions, and cultural diversity of the multinational state. In the spring, all 90 trees were planted at the Rostokino Aqueduct in Moscow as a symbol of the country's unity and cultural diversity. 

Like the trees at the RUSSIA EXPO, the eight blue spruces were a gift to the National Centre RUSSIA from the Federal Forestry Agency, Rosleskhoz.

"According to a good tradition, together with our colleagues from the National Centre RUSSIA we continue the New Year project, but in a new format. This year, we received eight blue spruce trees from the country's foresters. Each tree represents a federal district of Russia. The trees are decorated thematically and convey the cultural code of this or that district," said Ivan Sovetnikov, Head of the Federal Forestry Agency. 

The New Year trees feature a distinctive collection of decorations related to the cultural, technical, natural and folk characteristics of each federal district.

"For instance, the tree representing the Southern District features Crimean lavender fields and marine-style ornaments. The tree for the Far Eastern District showcases Amur tigers, scallop shells, and indigenous patterns. Meanwhile, the North-Western District’s New Year tree is adorned with Pomor gingerbread, ships, and Vologda lace," shared Daria Abdykadyrova, the project’s artist-decorator. 

Throughout the New Year season, until February 1, the National Centre RUSSIA will host festive activities every weekend from Friday to Sunday and daily during the school holidays. Visitors can enjoy vibrant concerts, colorful photo zones, exciting contests and workshops for the whole family, and a New Year’s market featuring goods from across the country.

All activities at the National Centre RUSSIA are free, though some may require prior registration.