A Christmas tree with Bulgarian decorations has been placed in a central location at the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago. For the fifth consecutive year, Bulgarians living in Chicago crafted the lavish decoration of the Bulgarian Christmas tree with over 30,000 colorful lights and hundreds of ornaments. This year, Association Bulgarka made a special donation, including survachki (decorated cornel branches) and a Christmas tree topper, reports the website eurochicago.com.

The tradition of decorating beautiful Christmas trees with special ornaments created by volunteers from ethnic communities in Chicago began during World War II. Over time, the number of Christmas trees has grown. Nearly 60 trees will be displayed this year. The six-meter-tall trees will be decorated by about a thousand volunteers from various ethnic communities in Chicago, showcasing the different cultures and holiday traditions associated with Christmas.