REVIVAL OF TRADITIONS
5–8 January / 2025
Shuya
Winter holidays are a magical time
Children are waiting for miracles and gifts, and grown-ups are looking forward to a chance to relax and spend time with their loved ones. Historically, the most important winter holiday in Russia was Christmas. It was associated with family, warmth, reconciliation, and believing in miracles.
January 5–8
A Christmas fairy tale comes to life in the town of Shuya, Ivanovo Region. Come and become a part of the traditions' revival!
On January 5−8 the town will live in a Christmas fairy tale. Shuya’s streets will be dressed up with festive decorations, a light installation called Temple will appear at the place where the Savior’s Cathedral was destroyed during the Soviet era. A Christmas fair will take place on the central square. The most spectacular location will be the Christmas Miracle Park, a multimedia installation with elements of sound and light shows. The guests will be taken to the festival by a real retro train.
A guide to the festival
Christmas traditions
What treats to put on the table on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day? What was used to decorate the Christmas tree? What is the difference between carols and other Christmas songs?
Find out the main traditions of Christmas celebrations.
Find out the main traditions of Christmas celebrations.
Nativity Scene
Click on any figure to see a description of Christmas character
Click on any figure to see a description of Christmas character
The three wise men
The figures of the Magi, who came to worship the Savior and brought Him gifts (gold, frankincense, and myrrh). Although, according to the Gospel, the Magi came to the house, not to the cave (Matthew 2:11), they are often presented as a part of the nativity scene.
The figures of the Magi, who came to worship the Savior and brought Him gifts (gold, frankincense, and myrrh). Although, according to the Gospel, the Magi came to the house, not to the cave (Matthew 2:11), they are often presented as a part of the nativity scene.
The Holy Family
Three-dimensional figures of the Holy Child Jesus, the Blessed Virgin Mary and the righteous Joseph. The Christ Child is presented lying in the manger or in the arms of the seated Mother of God. Sometimes all the figures of the Holy Family are replaced by the icon of the Nativity.
Three-dimensional figures of the Holy Child Jesus, the Blessed Virgin Mary and the righteous Joseph. The Christ Child is presented lying in the manger or in the arms of the seated Mother of God. Sometimes all the figures of the Holy Family are replaced by the icon of the Nativity.
The angel
The angel announced the birth of the Savior to the shepherds.
The angel announced the birth of the Savior to the shepherds.
The ox and the donkey
The figures of the animals that, according to the Sacred tradition, were in the cave at the time of the Savior's birth, and then warmed Him with their breath.
The figures of the animals that, according to the Sacred tradition, were in the cave at the time of the Savior's birth, and then warmed Him with their breath.
The Star of Bethlehem
Celestial phenomenon, so called by the Magi, according to the Gospel of Matthew. When they saw it at sunrise and decided that the "king of the Jews" had been born, they came to Jerusalem to worship Him. They did not find what they were looking for and went to Bethlehem of Judea, where the star showed them the place where they saw the Holy Family.
Celestial phenomenon, so called by the Magi, according to the Gospel of Matthew. When they saw it at sunrise and decided that the "king of the Jews" had been born, they came to Jerusalem to worship Him. They did not find what they were looking for and went to Bethlehem of Judea, where the star showed them the place where they saw the Holy Family.
The shepherds with the sheep
The figures of those shepherds who came to the cave to worship the Savior. Typically, one of the shepherds is depicted with a lamb on his shoulders or in his arms. The lamb in this case is a symbol of Christ as the Lamb of God.
The figures of those shepherds who came to the cave to worship the Savior. Typically, one of the shepherds is depicted with a lamb on his shoulders or in his arms. The lamb in this case is a symbol of Christ as the Lamb of God.
The angel
The angel announced the birth of the Savior to the shepherds.
The angel announced the birth of the Savior to the shepherds.
Artists: Sergey and Tatiana Krylovs, Palekh
The three wise men
The figures of the Magi, who came to worship the Savior and brought Him gifts (gold, frankincense, and myrrh). Although, according to the Gospel, the Magi came to the house, not to the cave (Matthew 2:11), they are often presented as a part of the nativity scene.
The figures of the Magi, who came to worship the Savior and brought Him gifts (gold, frankincense, and myrrh). Although, according to the Gospel, the Magi came to the house, not to the cave (Matthew 2:11), they are often presented as a part of the nativity scene.
1
The Holy Family
Three-dimensional figures of the Holy Child Jesus, the Blessed Virgin Mary and the righteous Joseph. The Christ Child is presented lying in the manger or in the arms of the seated Mother of God. Sometimes all the figures of the Holy Family are replaced by the icon of the Nativity.
Three-dimensional figures of the Holy Child Jesus, the Blessed Virgin Mary and the righteous Joseph. The Christ Child is presented lying in the manger or in the arms of the seated Mother of God. Sometimes all the figures of the Holy Family are replaced by the icon of the Nativity.
3
The angel
The angel announced the birth of the Savior to the shepherds.
The angel announced the birth of the Savior to the shepherds.
6
The ox and the donkey
The figures of the animals that, according to the Sacred tradition, were in the cave at the time of the Savior's birth, and then warmed Him with their breath.
The figures of the animals that, according to the Sacred tradition, were in the cave at the time of the Savior's birth, and then warmed Him with their breath.
2
The angel
The angel announced the birth of the Savior to the shepherds.
The angel announced the birth of the Savior to the shepherds.
4
The Star of Bethlehem
Celestial phenomenon, so called by the Magi, according to the Gospel of Matthew. When they saw it at sunrise and decided that the "king of the Jews" had been born, they came to Jerusalem to worship Him. They did not find what they were looking for and went to Bethlehem of Judea, where the star showed them the place where they saw the Holy Family.
Celestial phenomenon, so called by the Magi, according to the Gospel of Matthew. When they saw it at sunrise and decided that the "king of the Jews" had been born, they came to Jerusalem to worship Him. They did not find what they were looking for and went to Bethlehem of Judea, where the star showed them the place where they saw the Holy Family.
5
The shepherds with the sheep
The figures of those shepherds who came to the cave to worship the Savior. Typically, one of the shepherds is depicted with a lamb on his shoulders or in his arms. The lamb in this case is a symbol of Christ as the Lamb of God.
The figures of those shepherds who came to the cave to worship the Savior. Typically, one of the shepherds is depicted with a lamb on his shoulders or in his arms. The lamb in this case is a symbol of Christ as the Lamb of God.
7
Artists: Sergey and Tatiana Krylovs, Palekh
Shuya, the capital
of Russian Christmas
of Russian Christmas
Learn about the history of the ancient Shuya town and why Christmas traditions are being revived here.
Send a Christmas card
Do you remember how happy you were to receive a card with warm wishes? Give that feeling to your loved ones! Choose a card from our Christmas collection by Russian artists and send to those you care about.
© Tourism and Hospitality Development Center of Ivanovo Region
Made by Les Agency
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