Strasbourg: French Christmas with a Russian accent

In the run-up to the Year of Russia in France and the Year of France in the Russian Federation, Russia was invited as an honorary guest to participate in the famous Christmas Fair in Strasbourg. The fair dates back to the 16th century. The Russian delegation headed by no other than Father Frost (Russian Santa Claus) himself, set up a “Russian village” in the centre of Strasbourg and organized a performance by a folk ensemble from Vologda on Strasbourg’s main square.

In the streets and squares of Strasbourg, wooden “fair” huts are set up where toys and souvenirs are sold.

This year, in addition to traditional toys, statuettes of saints, elves, little Santas (or Father Frosts, Per Noels, St. Nicholas’, depending on your preference), there are Russian nesting dolls.

The Vologda Region, home of Father Frost’s official residence in the town of Veliky Ustyug, has brought its famous flax handicrafts, toys, and felt boots to the fair.

The dolls, dressed in Russian national costumes, are in particular demand with visitors at the “Russian Village.”

While customers are in no hurry to buy Russian spirits, they eagerly line up at the “alcohol hut” to taste the drinks.

To the joy of many customers, our very own Father Frost from Veliky Ustyug became the main star of the fair. He brought with him an entire delegation from his home region of Vologda.

The very tall white-bearded elder in a richly embroidered outfit stood out even in the bright colors of Christmas-eve Strasbourg. Father Frost was extremely popular. Both children and adults wanted to take a picture with him. The youngest children rushed toward him screaming “Per Noel!!” or “St. Nicholas!” (many thought he was French).

And journalists asked him for an interview. Father Frost, as befits him, was very kind, did not refuse anyone anything and wished everybody a Happy New Year in three languages.

Father Frost gave a small statuette of himself as a gift to Strasbourg. If in trouble, you should rub the statuette, and Father Frost will be there to help. Photo: Deputy Mayor of Strasbourg Navel Rafik-Elmrini, Russian Consul General in Strasbourg Konstantin Klimovsky, Father Frost, Deputy Governor of the Vologda Region Nikolai Vinogradov, Vologda Mayor Yevgeny Shulepov.

In addition to Father Frost, the Vologda Region was also represented by the Gostya folk ensemble. Hundreds of people came to listen to the ensemble and gave the singers a great ovation.

The event culminated with a meeting between our Father Frost and his French colleague Per Noel. Both symbols of the New Year and Christmas were very happy to meet. Father Frost invited Per Noel to visit Russia next year, and the latter readily accepted the invitation. Photo: Per Noel, Father Frost, Vologda Mayor Yevgeny Shulepov, Strasbourg Mayor Roland Ries, and Deputy Governor of the Vologda Region Nikolai Vinogradov.

Despite the festive mood in the city, officials still reserved some time to discuss serious matters. The cities of Vologda and Strasbourg signed a cooperation agreement in culture, education, tourism, and the economy. Photo: Strasbourg Mayor Roland Ries and Vologda Mayor Yevgeny Shulepov.