Belgium Transforms Historic Church into Christmas Ice Rink

In the Belgian city of Sint-Truiden, the local Minderbroeders church, built in the Baroque style, has been transformed into an ice rink spanning 315 square meters. This ice rink has become a focal point of the annual Christmas market, as reported by BNN.

Traditionally, market organizers set up the ice rink outdoors, but this year they opted to utilize the church space to avoid inclement weather and allow visitors to enjoy the historical ambiance of the building. Inside, attendees can experience a projection of a starry night on the ceiling, find a nativity scene, listen to Christmas carols, and explore exhibitions dedicated to Christmas.

Philip Bronkarts, the head of the Sint-Truiden Trade Association, emphasized the role of the church in engaging the community in celebrations. According to him, the ice rink and Christmas market, running until January 7, embody the spirit of Christmas and provide a platform for community unity in celebrating and sharing positive emotions. Project organizers highlight that all equipment used for the ice rink is environmentally friendly and carbon-neutral, as it does not require electricity for operation.

The Minderbroeders church in the Flemish town dates back to the 18th century and features a Baroque facade with a sloping roof and a characteristic interior of that period. The building, constructed with bricks, spans a total length of 74 meters. Since 2019, the church has not been used for religious services, but is available to the local community for various events. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the building served as a vaccination centre and hosted exhibitions, quest rooms, and even drag queen shows.

Additionally, The Gaze reported that Ukraine is celebrating Christmas on December 25 for the first time since 1917, breaking from the traditional date of January 7. This change reflects Ukraine's cultural departure from outdated norms imposed by Russia.

While Europe follows the Gregorian calendar, Russia still adheres to the Julian calendar for religious holidays. Kyiv's decision to align major religious celebrations with Europe demonstrates its ongoing efforts toward EU integration. In a festive greeting, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky noted that on this day, the collective prayer would unite millions of voices, resonating alongside Europe and the world.