Press releases

POLOTSK, 16 May (BelTA) – Writers from 15 countries will take part in the events to be held as part of this year’s Belarusian Literature Day celebrations in Polotsk. The information was announced at the meeting of the national organizing committee of the Literature Day celebrations in Polotsk on 16 May, BelTA has learned.

The meeting was chaired by Belarusian Deputy Prime Minister Vasily Zharko and attended by the information minister, the culture minister, and representatives of other relevant ministries and agencies.

The program of the celebrations features many events, including a roundtable that will gather writers from 15 countries. The events will be covered by Belarusian and foreign journalists. “The Belarusian Literature Day celebrations are usually covered by around a hundred members of the media. We expect to see more journalists this year, including foreign ones,” Information Minister Lilia Ananich said.

The solemn opening ceremony will feature a theatrical performance themed around the 1155th anniversary of the founding of the city of Polotsk and the 500th anniversary of the Belarusian book printing. “The ceremony will focus on the city of Polotsk. It will also include a music and theater part dedicated to the present-day Belarus. Polotsk is the cradle of Belarusian statehood, a major cultural center. This city is a symbol of Belarusian spirituality. The modern Belarus is a peace-loving country open to the world that aims to preserve its specific character in these difficult times. The Belarusian way is a way that leads towards mutual respect and understanding, peace and accord, social justice and spiritual growth.”

The program of the Belarusian Literature Day celebrations includes the medieval culture event Rubon, the final of the contest of young reciters, an exhibition of ancient books, a festival of books and print media, and the final events of the scientific expedition The Road to Holy Relics. The Museum of Belarusian Book Printing will be one of the key venues of the celebrations. It will host several exhibitions. Two concerts will be held in the Saint Sophia Cathedral.

The plenary meeting considered the key aspects of the organization of the Belarusian Literature Day events in Polotsk. Members of the organizing committee visited the Art Gallery, Polotsk State University, St Sophia Cathedral, and the Museum of Belarusian Book Printing to review progress in their preparations for the celebrations.