Press releases

MINSK, 6 July (BelTA) – Over 350 people made part of the delegation that came to Belarus for the Days of Ukrainian Culture, State Secretary of the Ukrainian Culture Ministry Rostislav Karandeyev told reporters before the solemn opening ceremony of the Days of Ukrainian Culture at the Palace of the Republic in Minsk on 5 July, BelTA has learned.

“I think Belarusians have missed authentic Ukrainian culture, both academic and modern. We will use this opportunity to cheer the Belarusian audience up, bring them joy and maybe slight nostalgia, the feeling of friendship and fraternity, as well as unity. The Ukrainian delegation is really big, it includes over 350 people. We have brought everything we could possibly need, including the stage that you will see in Alexandria. The most important thing the artists have brought here is their determination to show the best of what they have got,” Rostislav Karandeyev said.

The head of the Ukrainian delegation thanked the Belarusian Culture Ministry and the Ukrainian Embassy, as well as numerous sponsors and partners who made this event possible. He emphasized that it is of great importance that the two heads of state had agreed to resume an active cultural dialogue between the two countries. The interest in closer cultural contacts was voiced at the meeting of Rostislav Karandeyev with Belarusian Culture Minister Yuri Bondar on 5 July. The parties agreed to arrange big and small events, exchange delegations of artists and students and organize master classes, in other words to do things that enrich the two national cultures. “Our goal is to use cultural diplomacy to introduce the Belarusian audience to Ukrainian culture and make them love it more, and to promote good neighborhood. This is a foundation for friendly and peaceful relations,” Rostislav Karandeyev said.

The Days of Ukrainian Culture were officially inaugurated at the Palace of the Republic in Minsk on 5 July.

An exhibition of traditional arts and crafts was arranged at the lobby of the Palace of the Republic. Spectators made photos with dummies clad in traditional outfits from various regions of Ukraine, examined souvenirs and embroidered clothing, leather belts, hand-made towels. A robotic arm painted a portrait of Ukrainian poet Taras Shevchenko.

The concert at the Palace of the Republic featured the National Honored Academic Dance Ensemble named after Pavlo Virsky, People's Artist of Ukraine Ivo Bobul, Honored Artist of Ukraine Lenara Osmanova, Zlata Ohnevych, Tina Karol, Oleg Vinnik, Luiku band, and Hetman Quartet.

A big concert program featuring popular artists from Ukraine will be one of the biggest draws of the Kupala Night Festival (Alexandria Gathers Friends) this year. On 7 July visitors to the festival will have a chance to get familiar with Ukraine’s traditional arts and crafts. The next day, 8 July, will see an exhibition performance of an equestrian theater and a big concert. The Ukrainian artists will also present a big program in the Gomel Public Cultural Center on 10 July.