Ostrava, the third-largest city in the Czech Republic, marked a century of tradition Saturday wiht the lighting of its Christmas tree in Masaryk Square[[3]]. The annual event, which dates back to 1925, continues a longstanding practice of coinciding with fundraising efforts for local children and orphans[[2]]. This year’s display, featuring energy-efficient LEAD lights and traditional ornaments, officially launched a multi-week Christmas program across the Moravian-Silesian Region’s capital[[1]].
A century after the first Christmas tree illuminated Masaryk Square, Ostrava, Czech Republic, is celebrating a milestone with its annual holiday display. The city’s Christmas tree was lit Saturday evening, marking 100 years since the tradition began in 1925.
The inaugural tree lighting in Ostrava coincided with a fundraising drive to support impoverished children and orphans in the city, a tradition that continues to resonate today.
Foto: Ostravské Vánoce, Lukáš Kaboň
Ostrava’s Christmas tree was illuminated Saturday evening.
This year’s tree is decorated with energy-efficient white LED lights, along with traditional gold ornaments and two-dimensional designs featuring imagery from the Ostrava Christmas celebrations. A star tops the tree.
“All the lights decorating this year’s Ostrava Christmas tree are energy-saving LED bulbs in shades of white,” said Pavlína Merendová, manager of Ostrava Christmas, a multi-week event held in the Moravian-Silesian Region’s capital.
The lighting ceremony also marked the official start of the Ostrava Christmas program, which will unfold across four stages and include an outdoor ice rink.
Foto: Ostravské Vánoce, Lukáš Kaboň
The Christmas tree lighting kicked off Ostrava’s holiday celebrations.
Advent markets began November 22, but the full Ostrava Christmas program officially launched with the tree lighting.
The city is investing 14 million Czech koruna (approximately $615,000 USD) in this year’s Ostrava Christmas celebrations. A charitable collection using reusable cups will also benefit the Ondrášek Mobile Hospice.
