In villages near Gjakova/Dakovica in Kosovo, young volunteers each year turn local places of worship into festive masterpieces that draw thousands of visitors each December.
For several years now, young volunteers from villages around Kosovo’s southwestern town of Gjakova/Djakovica have transformed local churches into enchanting winter attractions.
Funded by local believers and nearby families, their efforts draw thousands of visitors each December.
Pjetershan, a parish encompassing four villages located about 8 kilometres from the town and 80 kilometres from the capital Prishtina, has gained widespread recognition for its Christmas decorations, primarily through social media.
Christmas decorations at Pjetershan Catholic church in Kosovo in December 2024. Photo: BIRN
One visitor, who gave her name as Jozefina, said she lives in Switzerland but has a tradition of visiting the parish on her annual trips home to Kosovo over the festive period.
“Every winter, when I come to visit my homeland, where I grew up, I take my children here as I want to create similar memories for them. I want them to feel this nostalgia, whenever Kosovo is mentioned,” she told BIRN.
Christmas decorations at Pjetershan Catholic church in Kosovo in December 2024. Photo: BIRN
Visitors to the parish not only enjoy the decorations but also warm up with hot beverages served in wooden huts in the churchyard.
Marjan Ukaj, the parish priest of Pjetershan, praised the impact of the decorations.
“From October to December 1, we had young volunteers, especially at weekends, with over 50 youngsters coming together to help. Financially, believers and families contribute to these projects. The interest from visitors is overwhelming because the beauty here offers an exceptional spiritual experience,” Ukaj said.
Christmas decorations at Pjetershan Catholic church in Kosovo in December 2024. Photo: BIRN
“Many visitors have said: ‘This is art.’ They’re amazed by the simplicity and charm of what we’ve created. Even elements like the hand-painted nativity scene and the beautifully adorned trees leave a profound impression,” he added.
Palush Nikolla, a representative of the parish, reflected on the collective joy the celebration brings.
“We have extraordinary youngsters who know how to create art. It’s a miracle what they’ve achieved,” he said. “All the young come together to decorate, so others can enjoy it. This is a celebration we share together.”
Christmas decorations at Pjetershan Catholic church in Kosovo in December 2024. Photo: BIRN
Other parishes in the area also offer similarly enchanting festive decorations.
The town centre of Gjakova/Djakovica has also been adorned with festive decorations, funded by municipal investments.
Although Kosovo is a mainly Muslim country, Christmas decorations have become the norm. The capital, Prishtina, garnered significant attention this year with one of the largest Christmas markets in the region.
Prishtina Christmas market in December 2024. Photo: BIRN
Featuring 120 wooden huts spread across three squares, the market welcomes citizens daily from December 1 through January, offering music, food and drinks.
The municipality, in collaboration with a private operator, has also introduced various attractions for children, including a carousel, ice skating, a circus and several other activities that distinguish this year’s celebrations from those in previous years.