The Chisinau City Hall will decorate the fir trees surrounding the Triumphal Arch to celebrate Christmas according to the standard calendar. Deputy Mayor Lucia Culev told Info-Prim Neo that the local authorities plan to organise a Christmas carnival in that place on December 24 and 25. Lucia Culev couldn’t name a specific date when the Christmas lights in downtown Chisinau would be switched on, but earlier this week Mayor Dorin Chirtoaca opted for the date of December 15, or even earlier, so that Chisinau could enjoy the Christmas season like all the major cities across Europe do. The Chisinau authorities have expressed concern about the central authorities’ unwillingness to celebrate Christmas on December 25, as the Christmas tree in Chisinau’s central square is expected to be officially lit on New Year’s Eve and not earlier. Dorin Chirtoaca has stated that he is inclined to avoid any arguments with the central administration on this matter and rather seek to come to an agreement as to the preparations of the city for the winter holidays. Since Moldova is mainly a European Orthodox country, Christmas is celebrated here on January 7 as per the Julian calendar after a 40-day fast.