The AdventBazilika event series, including the erection of the Christmas tree and online events reaching into the new year is open to all; the organisers informed the MTI.

This year's events are being organised under the motto, Advent of Hope! Celebrating its tenth year, the series is moving online due to the coronavirus pandemic. No Christmas market stands for food and crafts will be built on Szent István Square, but three festive symbols will be displayed: a 12-metre decorated Christmas tree, a Nativity scene in front of the steps of St. Stephen's Basilica and an Advent wreath with a 5-metre diameter. 

The lighting of Advent candles will also be broadcast live on the AdventBazilika website. The candles will be lit, as is tradition, by Auxiliary Bishop György Snell of the Esztergom-Budapest Diocese, parish priest of St. Stephen's Basilica, accompanied by fitting performances of poems or songs.

A Chirstmas tree will be erected on Szent István Square (Photo: adventbazilika.hu)

In addition, a series of video interviews has been recorded, in cooperation with Hungarian Interchurch Aid, in which celebrities recount their best Advent memories. A unique selection of music for the events, entitled Voices of Advent, will also be made available online. To honour the event's tenth anniversary, a selection from the photo archive will also be shared.

AdventBazilika's online handicraft calendar is slated to introduce a handicraft exhibitor each day, helping to connect the artisans with their audience despite the limited possibilities open this year. The artisans will also offer simple gift and decoration tips in their short videos.

Illuminated Szent István Square from above in 2019 (Photo: adventbazilika.hu)

In addition to the events, AdventBazilika is launching two national online movements. In the first, the organisers are looking for the most beautifully decorated festive windows. The best entries will be presented on the fair’s website and will also receive a gift and a certificate. Furthermore, as part of the "Pass it on, Christmas lives in us" campaign, they are encouraging people to share their photos, videos and thoughts about the Christmas holiday on social media with the hashtag #adventchallenge.

The organisers write that the goal of the AdventBazilika initiative is to help people experience Christmas as a community and time of hopeful anticipation despite the lack of in-person opportunities to connect.

Last year, AdventBazilika was voted the most beautiful Christmas market in Europe (Photo: adventbazilika.hu)

Last year, the Christmas market in front of St. Stephen's Basilica was voted the most beautiful Christmas market in Europe, breaking all previous voting records, as it powered to the win.

Source: MTI

Cover photo: Nativity scene in front of St. Stephen's Basilica (Photo: adventbazilika.hu)