Opening of the 28th edition of the International Festival of Arts Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk

Traditions and the link between generations, celebration of native land, ever-lasting friendship between the Slavik nations – the 28th edition of the International Festival of Arts Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk on 11 July.

Traditionally Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko gave a start to Slavianski Bazaar at the opening concert. “At this gala concert I would like to warmly welcome all those who have come to  the International Festival of Arts Slavianski Bazaar, everyone thanks to whom the city and the entire Belarus literally live by art, music of the festival, speaks different languages. “We welcome all who have come to us to share this beautiful holiday - a true celebration of art, friendship and understanding,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.

The head of state noted that it was how the festival was conceived in the early 1990s. It was a response of the artistic community to the collapse of the great multi-ethnic country. “They teamed up to save the brotherly relations between the newly independent states. It is logical: in difficult times people always turn to art for moral support,” the president stressed.

According to him, it was was not by accident that Vitebsk was chosen to be the cultural capital of the Slavic countries: this city has a special creative vibe. “It was home to great avant-garde artists: Malevich and Chagall. They gave the world the black square and the young lovers soaring over the city,” Aleksandr Lukashenko noted.

He noted that the creative atmosphere reigning in Vitebsk for half a century inspires vibrant diverse festivals. Many of them already gather most talented musicians, choreographers, designers and artists from different countries. “We helped to preserve the status of Vitebsk, a city with rich cultural traditions, by having supported Slavianski Bazaar at the state level. In due time we simply saved Slavianski Bazaar after the collapse of the Soviet Union. And we did right. Every year we host friends from all corners of the globe. The Slavic world, which probably many in the west did not take seriously once, has become the nucleus, the center of attraction for many peoples. Today Vitebsk hosts representatives of China, Cuba, India, Israel, the United States of America. We welcome them. Traditionally in July Vitebsk is an example of the most hospitable and musical city,” the head of state said.

Aleksandr Lukashenko wished participants successful festival performances, the jury fair judging, viewers the most positive emotions and good mood and everybody good weather.

The Belarus president presented the special award ‘Through Art to Peace and Understanding' to the outstanding singer People's Artist of Ukraine Taisia Povaliy and the Grand Prix of the Vitebsk Junior Song Contest in 2019 to the winner Kseniya Galetskaya of Belarus.