Augustow Canal in the Culture of Three Nations 2017 festival

The unusual format of Augustow Canal in the Culture of Three Nations 2017 comprised a festival within a festival, a bike ride by ministers and diplomats, and a costume parade.

One of the most multicultural Belarusian regions, Grodno Oblast welcomed guests from Belarus, Poland, and Lithuania on the banks of the famous Augustow Canal with exciting performances, tastings of national dishes, which are popular along the borders, film screenings, and offbeat sports competitions.

The first edition of the regional fest Treasures of Grodno Oblast was held during the festival. Authentic interactive venues offered unusual contests: races with carrying poles, oven fork skills competitions, and hit-the-pot games. Food courts were arranged to help the guests grab a bite of traditional Belarusian food before open-air dancing accompanied by famous folk bands.

An international charity bike ride was held at the Augustow Canal as part of the revival of the traditions of Belarus-Poland-Lithuania border regions. The ride was open to everyone, including foreign guests who could visit the canal’s park without visas and were keen to join the initiative. Over 400 people from 20 countries, among them ministers, diplomats, top executives of international organizations, and tourists crossed 18km across the most picturesque places of the Augustow Canal. The guests also had an opportunity to go kayaking and take part in Nordic walking competitions.