Bulgarian Christmas tree takes centre stage at Chicago holiday display

A Bulgarian Christmas tree is once again featured in the holiday exhibition at Chicago’s Museum of Science and Industry. The museum, one of the world’s largest and most visited, showcases over 35,000 exhibits and attracts more than 1.5 million visitors each year, BNR correspondent Elena Tsaneva reports.

The “Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light” exhibition began in 1942 with a single tree symbolising unity during World War II. Today, the display represents 50 different cultures and countries, and has become a cherished holiday tradition in Chicago. Each tree is accompanied by a description of the country's festive traditions and a greeting in the local language. Bulgaria’s tree features the message ‘Честита Коледа’ surrounded by falling snowflakes, Santa Claus greeting children, sparkling lights and festive music.

• Bulgarian Christmas tree shines in Chicago
  

After four years of effort, the Bulgarian community joined the exhibition when its initiator, Anna-Maria Buneva, received approval. Since 2020, Bulgaria has been a regular participant. Volunteers decorated the 3.6-metre tree with handmade ornaments representing festive traditions from across the country, including survachki (traditional Bulgarian folk costumes) and kuker masks.

The exhibition runs until 5 January 2026.

Editor: Miglena Ivanova
Posted in English by E. Radkova