OSTRAVA CHRISTMAS BEGINS THIS SATURDAY! WE ALREADY KNOW OUR CHRISTMAS TREE
The tree had been growing on the family’s property since 2001 and was estimated to have reached a height of around 17 metres. Once installed on Masaryk Square, it will measure approximately 10.5 metres. “At first, we only wanted to trim the tree because strong winds were already posing a risk of it falling and causing damage or injury. But then we decided to donate it as the Christmas tree so it could still bring joy to visitors of the markets, especially children,” said the tree’s owner, Petr Pikna. “We originally bought it as a small four-year-old seedling from the Starkl garden centre in Čáslav and planted it in our garden as a tribute to our ancestors.”
“The Christmas tree has arrived in Ostrava on a special trailer on Wednesday, 19 November, after which the contractor will begin decorating it. All the lights adorning the tree are energy-saving LED bulbs in shades of white. The tree will also be traditionally decorated with gold baubles and 2D elements reflecting the visual identity of Ostrava Christmas. A star will once again shine on top,” said event manager Pavlína Merendová. The transport, installation, and regular maintenance of the tree are handled by Ostrava City Forests and Greenery, s.r.o.
Deputy Mayor Lucie Baránková Vilamová also reminded the public that this year marks the 100th anniversary of the Christmas tree on Masaryk Square: “In 2025, we are celebrating one hundred years since the installation of the very first ‘Tree of the Republic’ on Masaryk Square in Ostrava. The first tree came from the forest in Stará Bělá. It was lit in national colours on 20 December 1925, and its installation was accompanied by a collection for poor children and orphans in our city.” The centenary of the tree, as well as its changing appearance over time, will be highlighted by an exhibition that will be displayed throughout the Ostrava Christmas festival on the grassy area of Masaryk Square behind the Ferris wheel. The exhibition was created in cooperation with guides from Ostravainfo!!!, the Ostrava Museum, and other partners.