Opening ceremony of 31st edition of the International Arts Festival Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk
Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko has opened the 31st international art festival Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk on 14 July.
The head of the state thanked all those who had originated the festival, those who had organized this festival every year, and those who gift their art to people. “We have created a large-scale project on the world level truly together. This project unites nations and cultures, demonstrates our common historical choice, our national dignity,” the president said.
Aleksandr Lukashenko remarked that Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk had transcended the framework of a cultural event a long time before and the fact that political passions often flare up around the festival was another confirmation of it.
The head of the state said: “I am grateful to all participants of the festival, who boldly and proudly came here to represent the culture of their country. The world’s future should be in hands of people like you are. The future of a world that I believe will overcome the current challenge to humanity! And Belarusians, Russians, Ukrainians, representatives of many countries of the world will perform in festival sites in Vitebsk. Names of great Russian and world classicists will traditionally be heard together here just as they should in a modern, highly developed and civilized society.”
The president stressed that during the festival new stars and little starlets will once again be lit while hearts of every artist will be full of love for the Vitebsk stage, for this city, for these viewers, who will trust in them and will give them a unique chance that opens the door to the world of art.
“Dear friends, I congratulate you on the festival! I declare yet another Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk open,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.
Young Belarusian singer Yelisei Kasich has won the Grand Prix of the International Children’s Song Contest.
Belarusian President, Chairman of the Supreme State Council of the Union State Aleksandr Lukashenko presented the Union State Award in Literature and Art 2021-2022.
The award was presented to several groups of artists taking part in the concert programs of the International Arts Festival Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk, the creators of the Rzhev Memorial to the Soviet Soldier and the team of the publishing project Historical Memory of the Union State timed to the 75th anniversary of the common Victory of the peoples of the Soviet Union in the Great Patriotic War.
This year Belarusian singer Anatoly Yarmolenko and the Syabry band were honored with the special award of the Belarusian president “Through Art to Peace and Understanding”.
Aleksandr Lukashenko presented the award to the artists during the opening ceremony of the 31st edition of the International Arts Festival Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk.
“Dear friends, it is a pleasure to be here. I am a mature politician, I feel this vibe, this openness, sincerity. I cannot be deceived about such things; you are true. Thank you,” the head of state said.
