As preparations for Eurovision 2017 continue, host broadcaster NTU has started to release details of the key Eurovision events for visitors to Kyiv next year: the red carpet, Euroclub and the Euro Village, with the opening ceremony due to take place in an 11th century cathedral.
The details have recently been hammered out at a meeting between representatives of the EBU, NTU and Kyiv city, as well as representatives from Stockholm, there to pass on their knowledge from 2016.
The opening ceremony will take place at the complex of St Sophia’s Cathedral, the 11th century Eastern Orthodox cathedral that is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The red carpet event will take place in the area outside the cathedral, letting the stars of 2017 shine as brightly as the gold domes of the cathedral.
While St Sophia is church, the complex also contains a secular museum. Kyiv’s deputy mayor Oleksii Reznikov explained that, “Sophia is not acting as a temple – it’s as a museum. So we do not violate any religious feelings of believers.”
While the time of the opening ceremony has not been confirmed, it is usually held the Sunday of Eurovision week.
And it wouldn’t be Eurovision without Euroclub. It will be held at the Parkovy Convention & Exhibition Center, set in parkland alongside the Dnieper River. The centre houses the CHI by Decadence House nightclub, but it’s not known if this will be part of Euroclub.
The Parkovy is on the other side of the Dnieper from the main Eurovision venue at International Exhibition Center, but the plan for Kyiv hosting included shuttle buses running between the two venues.
And for those more casual Eurovision fans, the Eurovision Village will provide the usual performances from both international and local performers. The location of the village hasn’t been decided yet, though previously Sofiyskaya Square or Mikhailivska Square were under consideration. The location will be confirmed by the beginning of February 2017.
There’s no word of plans for a Euro Fan Café in Kyiv, but this tends to be organised by the local OGAE group.
I guess we will get to see who are the real intolerants in this society (all of those who oppose to this).
I think they want to show the Ukrainian culture in all its glory, and that includes such beautiful and ancient buildings. Love this idea 🙂
Well, it’s not that nothing could be done about it. The easiest thing, we could write an e-mail to some Eurovision portals who could publish another article with this open question – perhaps Wiwibloggs could also do that, since their authors read our comments? Next step could be contacting the authorities and the Eurovision organizers, showing them the complete issue. Finally, if nothing else, the locals should organize an open protest since the bones belong to their predecessors and, after all, it’s the church of their hometown. But I really think this is the measure it shouldn’t be reached, I… Read more »
@Mil
You are absolutely right.
But.
I don’t think that Kyiv authorities overlooked this fact and I don’t think this idea is going to be abandoned – unfortunately – since they seem extremely pathetic about the event and they seem to ignore the history of the place (I cannot beliveve that they don’t know it).
There were hundreds of graves. These graves were destroyed after 1924 but still there are… human bones under the ground. If it’s ok with Kyiv authorities and EBU – well, nothing can be done… Let ESC march on the bones=))
@Where is the logic Saint Sophia Cathedral is a museum that doesn’t belong to any patriarchy, but to the state of Ukraine. It is a National Historic Preserve. A smaller church on the territory of a complex has been recently allowed to held services in on major religious holidays by Orthodox Kyiv Partriarchy. Still, I am not fan of the whole idea because there are several graves, particularly one at the main entrance to the complex, and all guests should pass it on their way inside the complex’s grounds. I think Kyiv authorities overlooked this fact and I somehow think… Read more »
Timbardur62, nonsense again! You falsely assumed I belong to this religion and nownyou even started insulting me! How are you nit ashamed of what you are saying? Respect what might be sacred or important to someone else. Isn’t there a similar Eurovision motto, like “we are one” or “building bridges” or something? We all know that Eurovision is gay oriented and gays really have tough time nowadays, looking for the respect of their opinion. Same logic should apply to all groups of people, right? No matter what you are and what you believe in, Timbardur62, learn to respect others and… Read more »
If Israel wins, they can host the opening in a sinagogue, and if Albania wins, a mosque can take the role of the venue. Oh and if Italy wins, I’m sure, Pope will not be against having a party in Vatican. And a question: doesn’t that church belong to Russian patriarchy?
@Angry fan – Welcome to the 21st century. The world changes, people change, and you still stick to something that has passed and demand others to believe and think like you do. Still feel pity for you, and if it is that hard for you to accept that things are getting better, please bury yourself in a cabbage store where the sunbeams don’t ever reach. The time you live in and still dream about, it has gone. Forever.
The Cathedral and its grounds were a place of burial during the XI—XX centuries…
What about this?
I love this.
Robyn, I’ve read the article, but thanks fot clarifying this. I still don’t understand the role of the museum – it is not the same if it’s owned by the church or if it is a part of the complex of the whole church. The first option would be fine and I believe it is that way. Timbardur62, you make absolutely no sense. If something is sacred by any religion, it shouldn’t be used for any other purposes. Especially not for those which contradict the religion. Dot. There’s no discussion nor opinion on that. While you blame me for what… Read more »
Even Paris and London fashion week there are many fashion shows venue in the church every year (IRIS VAN HERPEN HAUTE COUTURE FALL 2016).
Okay, I can understand interest for historical sites. Tho’ for me ortodox churches is too modest for major events. Ah, and yet that falls over that theater in Odessa.
P.S. Seriously, don’t be surprised to see accusatory reactions after you put titles like that 😀
Also, Ukrainian Orthodoxy is the main religion of Kyiv and the country. This is a nice way to show off the local culture, and I’m sure the bishops are fine with it.
I love this idea! Its so unique! This church is absolutely gorgeous! I love how they are using the museum as well. I wish my church was as beautiful as this!
@Angry fan: that is your opinion but don’t put words into other orthodox people’s mouths. I know a lot of people confessing this religion and there are a lot of tolerant and open minded, fabulous people among them. There are even orthodox gay people, and although you almost apologize your comment, not to get offended, you really hurt many people with your words. I think, Ukraine is very proud of being host next year and warmly welcomes all the guests no matter who they are. I feel pity for people like you.
How are they not ashamed of using a sacred cathedral belonging to other religion as a party event? For some people it is a sacred place for praying and meditations, definitely not for parties and Eurovision – especially if the religion is against gay rights! This is so disgraceful towards the orthodox religion and I can’t believe how anyone sane thought this would be a good idea!
For all gays out here, don’t feel offended by this post, but respect others and their opinions just like you would like to be respected for having your opinion.
If Nottingham ever hosted Eurovision, this is how I imagine they would plan it
I like the idea of using as much as possible, venues that already exists, instead of building without perspective like sometimes it happens for Olympics.