Kyrgyzstan Prepares to Light Main New Year Tree

Kyrgyzstan's Bishkek city is gearing up for the festive season as municipal workers finalize preparations for the lighting of the city’s main New Year tree.

Vice Mayor Viktoria Mozgacheva said the 35-meter tree on Ala-Too Square has been reused for several years to save budget funds, The Caspian Post reports via Kyrgyz media.

She noted that the city updates part of the worn-out decorations each year, while keeping the design classic. Last year the tree featured national flag colors; this year, the theme reflects Bishkek’s colors and blends with the Manas monument nearby.

Ala-Too Square will transform into a winter hub from December 15 to January 15, featuring a pedestrian zone, food courts, Ayaz Ata and Santa Claus houses, and a large ice rink nearing completion. The rink will remain open until February.

Mozgacheva stressed that no public funds were spent on decorating the square - all costs, including utilities, were covered by local entrepreneurs.

Traffic management will be coordinated with the Main Traffic Safety Department. Roads will be closed during the day on December 15, on New Year’s Eve, and regulated on other days based on visitor flow.

She also addressed concerns about the tree’s new location. “We moved it closer to the Manas monument to make more room for the ice rink,” the vice mayor explained.