In the run-up to the Year of Russia in France and the Year of France in the Russian Federation, Russia was invited as an honorary guest to participate in the famous Christmas Fair in Strasbourg. The fair dates back to the 16th century. The Russian delegation headed by no other than Father Frost (Russian Santa Claus) himself, set up a “Russian village” in the centre of Strasbourg and organized a performance by a folk ensemble from Vologda on Strasbourg’s main square.