Polotsk, Belarus’ most ancient city, celebrates 1,156th anniversary
Polotsk celebrates 1,156th birthday. It is one of Belarus’ major cultural and spiritual centers and the most ancient city of the country. The three-day program featured over 80 spectacular events and folk festivals timed to the Day of the City and the Year of Native Land.
The city on the Dvina River was basking in the festive atmosphere in early September. The City of Masters craft and arts fair deployed in Francysk Skaryna central thoroughfare brought together local artisans. A festival of the Belarusian cuisine kicked off nearby. The visitors had the opportunity to taste dishes cooked according to all kinds of recipes. In the evening, the city hosted a light festival and a light bicycle ride. The streets were decorated with about a dozen of light installations that were on until midnight.
The festive events kicked off on 1 September near the monument “Polotsk is the cradle of Belarusian statehood” which was presented to Polotsk during the celebration of the 1,155th anniversary. This year saw another major event – the inauguration ofthe Francysk Skaryna Square, which was the most anticipated event for Polotsk citizens. The square is decorated with a fountain. The opening ceremony was attended by Head of the Belarus President Administration Natalya Kochanova, a native of Polotsk, former mayor of neighboring Novopolotsk.
During the three-day program, visitors had the opportunity to take a trip back in time and see what Polotsk looked like in different periods of time, from the Middle Ages to the present days. The city citizens recreated the most important historical events. Over 1,500 workers of major enterprises and organizations took part in the costume parade “Polotsk and Polotsk citizens”. It was followed by theatrical performances “Francysk Skaryna”, “Polotsk history as seen by the youth” and the play “The legend about Vseslav of Polotsk”.
The Day of the City featured more than 80 events timed to the Year of Native Land. Every visitor could find something to their liking. They had the opportunity to plunge into the atmosphere of the 16th century and attend a meeting of Polotsk Magistrate, visit the Center of Europe Literary Festival, learn to draw with light, enjoy a concert of classical music, taste dishes of the national and local cuisines and even take a ride on board of an ancient dragon ship along the West Dvina River…
Celebration of the 1,156th anniversary of ancient Polotsk in our photos!
