In America the commercialization of Christmas has led to a seemingly earlier start each year to the shopping season. Store decorations and the promotion and display of everything to make your Christmas merrier and bright appear as soon as the Halloween stuff clears the shelves, if not sooner.
In Moldova there was no Black Friday or Cyber Monday. November came and went without a hint of the upcoming holiday season. However, beginning December 2015, the stores filled with items for both Christmas and the NewYear. It seemed like overnight a switch was turned on, and everywhere you went there were signs of the upcoming holidays.
For Moldovans the New Year is as big as, if not bigger than, Christmas. Both events are celebrated with merriment and feasts over more than one day. It is a season of good cheer when people gather around tables to share delicious traditional food, laugh and toast one another's happiness and health.
The central area in Chișinău, the capital of Moldova, was transformed into a carnival like scene with food, rides, photo opportunities and entertainment. Both night and day people came to enjoy. Below are photos of central Chișinău at Christmas and the New Year.
For Moldovans the New Year is as big as, if not bigger than, Christmas. Both events are celebrated with merriment and feasts over more than one day. It is a season of good cheer when people gather around tables to share delicious traditional food, laugh and toast one another's happiness and health.
The central area in Chișinău, the capital of Moldova, was transformed into a carnival like scene with food, rides, photo opportunities and entertainment. Both night and day people came to enjoy. Below are photos of central Chișinău at Christmas and the New Year.
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| Nativity Before Christmas Outside Roman Catholic Cathedral of Divine Providence |
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| Roman Catholic Cathedral of Divine Providence |
Great photos that capture the spirit.
ReplyDeleteGreat photos that capture the spirit.
ReplyDeleteI wish America would learn from Moldolva and wait until December to start the frenzy and decorating in stores! Once again your pictures spoke volumes. The pastry looks so good! It was interesting to see the outfits tha "Santa" wore. As you begin the New Year may it be filled with many blessings. Know that I hold you in prayer. With love, Sister Linda
ReplyDeleteLove the photos. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI loved the photos of Santa. Winter has finally come to Cleveland with numbing cold to match the mind numbing political rhetoric. Shalom Larry
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing the festive photographs of Chisinau at Christmas and the New Year. They speak to the wonderful festive spirit of the people. I wish we could have walked the streets with you to take it all in and also to taste some of the wonderful pastries. Delighted you are able to experience all of this.
ReplyDelete