One of the places in our Zhytomyr where you feel Zhytomyr citizen, of course, Mukhailivska Street. It unites more than just two parts, «shores», cities – it unites people. There are so many meetings every day! And here on one frosty Sunday of December this year, young reporters, students of the Teenage Journalism School of the Creative Center «PROSTO», went out to meet friends and passers-by to inquire about New Year’s plans, stories of interlocutors at Mukhailivska and even gave a few presents. And then handed over the holiday material to the Zhytomyr.Travel edition
Anastasia: «New Year is a wonderful holiday. It seems that before the New Year the whole world is getting better. At least I want to have that hope! At this time, my family meets at the New Year’s table, we exchange news, talk about plans, and for me it is also an opportunity to practice communication skills (laughs). Every morning I go to the school along the Mukhailivska street. It is «twisted» by our city. I like the street. Here is one of the best places to meet friends or take a walk alone. And before the New Year and the next 2020 Mukhailivska, I think will be even better. I am very grateful to the world for having «thrown» me into Zhytomyr. Zhytomyr is sometimes joked that this is a «small village» where everyone can know each other (laughs). But it’s still my Zhytomyr, a wonderful city.»
Anton, musician: «I play on Mukhailivska twice or thrice a week from 40 minutes to an hour. At first there was fear, but now there is none. I study at Zhytomyr College of Culture and Arts. I play Ukrainian songs. Cover. Novelty. I play trumpet, guitar, piano, accordion. I am invited to play on different holidays, birthdays. The music fan himself. Before the New Year I see Mukhailivska in a festive mood and winter beauty. Will I play on Mukhailivska, I probably do not know, depends on the weather … »
Best friend: «I imagined that Mukhailivska would still be decorated with many interesting toys, there would be various events here or near, including festive performances and fairs … Probably, musicians would come with concerts. I would go to a KAZKA concert with my friends. I’m not preparing for the holidays so far, but I think I will celebrate with family and friends.»
Serhiy Tvardovskiy, event manager, organizer of jazz concerts and festivals in Zhytomyr: «New Year holidays in my family will of course be heard by «Jingle Bells». The record player is no longer at home – it is now somewhere in the attic in the mother-in-law’s house. In Zhytomyr, if you didn’t know, there is a vinyl connoisseurs club that meets weekly and at home its participants listen to records and socialize. Several times during the Christmas market I organized a jazz concert in the oren air format. We even put UFOs and other heaters, but this saves heat for 5-10 minutes, and the program is three hours, for example. It’s hard … We are thinking of creating a gourmet holiday for music and psychology this Christmas night: with a music program, gifts, candles, fruits … As soon as we finish the details, we will make an announcement on Facebook. The musical background on Mukhailivska loads a little. In Germany, I know, an extraordinary specialist works at City Hall. He is appointed to the peak and becomes responsible for street music. When choosing such a specialist, the main wish is the lack of higher education in music. That is, this person should be with musical ear and taste, but from the people. In my opinion, such a proposal in the future would be good for us with Mukhailivska. So far we have not so many musicians in the city that they are nowhere to be placed on Mukhailivska … Decentralization should be in music, culture, and New Year’s Eve as well. Not to do one thing for everyone – it is much better to create different locations, then everyone in Zhytomy will find something to his liking.»
Nadiya Patelnya: «Languages of love are always different. It is easier for me to be as honest as possible when preparing and giving a postcard when a drawing, and words, and soul come together and complement each other. Leaflets do not require holidays and formal occasions – love is enough. And when you send it to the addressee, sweet weeks of waiting are like confessions (smiles). Postcards can be stored, donated, created. They are always a joy!»
Lisa: «I think most likely it will be on Mukhailivska Street as always before the New Year: garlands and toy decorations on trees… Somehow I will try to improve my mood for the holidays. Probably, I’ll buy a Christmas tree, decorate.»
Olena Savosina, photojournalist: «There is a pleasant atmosphere at Mukhailivska, from which there are always genuine emotions in the frame. Bright and warm lights, personally as a photographer, encourage me to create a photo. What you feel at this moment, just walking down the street of the city, can be stored in photographs, and lights, and various garlands, and colorful umbrellas … – all together creates a kind of «kaleidoscope» of illumination, which accurately conveys that feeling of beautiful, feeling the lightheartedness we follow along the street. The lighting of this street is able to inspire with its variety and beauty. By the way, not only photographers but also videographers.»
Iryna, interlocutor at Mukhailivska Street: «I see Mukhailivska before the New Year in lights. And with this street, my story is just beginning, because we recently moved to Zhytomyr. And now I like this street, it looks like European. We are not yet preparing for the holidays, but we are planning.»
Valeriy, friend: «Before the New Year, it will be nice on Mukhailivska Street, gradually there will be garlands everywhere … It will be an interesting New Year’s program … Guys, don’t be sorry, we live in Zhytomyr (laughs). Here was a Black Friday recently, then I went shopping, bought various interesting pieces for gifts, for example, statuettes for Christmas. I have a plan to decorate the house, the yard.»
Nadiya: «You know, I accept the New Year without unnecessary pathos. In my opinion, this is not a matter of preparing for the holiday. Although I love finding and preparing gifts! And here is another thing, and more importantly, to take every day as a gift and to live it with dignity, creatively, with desire. Holding on to or resisting such a bar is a challenge! So after Christmas fireworks, as usual, I plan to sleep and take the challenge (smiles).»
Iryna, a mother of many children: «I love Zhytomyr ever (smiling). Autumn, summer, spring … But winter Mukhailivska is a miracle of the city! Cozy Christmas houses, festivals of various flavors, beautifully decorated showcases give Zhytomyr European charm and belief in a better New Year! In 2020, we want at last a peaceful sky and a clear vision of Ukraine’s financial future. We want quality reforms, wise reformers and ideal conditions for dreams to come true!»
New Year’s comments were collected and prepared by Lyudmila Zolotiyk and reporters of FC «PROSTO»: Hristina Vakuliyk, Ilona Kostiyk, Maxim Lukashevych, Yaroslav Polovyi, Vladyslav Skidanchuk.
