Slavianski Bazaar 2020 in Vitebsk: opening ceremony

Slavic traditions, confidence in the future and ability to overcome difficulties – these were some of the themes of the opening ceremony of the International Festival of Arts Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk that kicked off on 16 July.

The opening words of the festival were said in three languages. These are the languages of the countries that founded the festival.

Traditionally, the festival was opened by Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko. This year the head of state presented the Belarusian president's special award Through Art to Peace and Understanding to Filipp Kirkorov. The artist noted that it was a great honor for him to receive one of Belarus’ main awards for the second time. His first award was the Order of Francysk Skaryna.

Addressing the president Filipp Kirkorov gave a hint that he would not mind becoming People’s Artist of Belarus. “I am People’s Artist of Russia, People’s Artist of Ukraine and People’s Artist of Moldova,” said the singer and the audience applauded.

“I remember,” responded the president.

The Russian artist performed some of his songs. After that another singer, Oleg Mityayev took to the stage. He was followed by People’s Artist of Ukraine Nikolai Gnatyuk.

This year the music forum is held under the motto “I love you, life”. Art and culture are supposed to give people hope and inspiration. Artists taking to the stage thanked healthcare workers of Belarus, Ukraine and Russia.

The common tragic and heroic history, the memory of the Great Patriotic War were also important themes of the concert.

The opening concert at the Summer Amphitheater in the evening featured popular artists, regular participants of the festival and young performers. They will include Sergei Polunin, Elena Vaenga, Alexander Buinov, Oleg Mityaev, Inna Malikova, Anna Semenovich, Mitya Fomin, Inna Afanasyeva, Anatoly Yarmolenko and the Syabry band, Tima Belorusskih, Vlad Sytnik and many others.Taking to the stage were award-winning artists and rising stars from Belarus, Russia, Ukraine and other countries.