The main Christmas tree of Turkmenistan lit up with festive lights on December 15 in Ashgabat, at the square in front of the Alem Cultural and Entertainment Center.
Thousands of young residents of Ashgabat and guests of the capital gathered around it in joyful anticipation of a magical spectacle. Folklore and dance groups, circus and theater artists in carnival costumes, as well as beloved fairy-tale characters, joined the celebration.
The festivities were graced by a New Year’s procession featuring Ayaz Baba (Father Frost) and Garpamyk (his granddaughter) accompanied by other cherished fairy-tale figures.
The procession began its journey from the Polatly Akhal-Teke horse sculpture located at the crossroads of the avenues in the city of Arkadag, near the foothills of the Kopetdag mountains.
In Arkadag, the New Year’s procession visited the Akhan Monument at the square where the city’s main Christmas tree is located. Artistic performances were presented to the guests by artists from the Aman Gulmammedov State Drama Theater, the Gyorogly State Equestrian Circus, students of the Saha Jepbarov Specialized School of Arts, and the Children’s School of Arts named after Shukur Bakhshi.
Arriving in Ashgabat, the festive characters passed by the tree located at the square in front of the State Circus of Turkmenistan. There, they were greeted by children and a beloved character, Smart Ahmet. Ayaz Baba and his companions then proceeded to the Ilham Alley, where they were met by another fairy-tale character, Mammetjan. The event here turned into a lively celebration filled with cheerful melodies, jokes, and costume performances by young dancers.
The magical journey participants also visited the new Arkach Shopping and Entertainment Center, where they were welcomed by the playful Yartygulak.
Switching from a convertible to a white carriage, Ayaz Baba, his granddaughter Garpamyk, and their companions, joined by children riding a two-story festive bus, continued their tour of the beautifully decorated pre-New Year Ashgabat.
Finally, a vibrant carnival filled the square in front of the country’s main Christmas tree. In a magical atmosphere, a spectacular performance unfolded with theatrical groups from the capital, young performers, and popular pop artists.
The highlight of the festive celebration was the lighting of the majestic tree by Ayaz Baba’s magic wand, fulfilling the children’s wish.
At that moment, all the Christmas trees set up in the main squares of cities across the country’s provinces also lit up, accompanied by colorful performances.
The inaugural celebration at the Main Christmas Tree concluded with a grand concert featuring a children’s choir and popular pop singers, reports TDH.
