Opinions & Interviews

ROGACHEV, 4 September (BelTA) – The Belarusian Literature Day is an opportunity for us to thank writers, scholars, men of letters and all involved for their efforts to preserve the Belarusian language, Belarusian Information Minister Lilia Ananich told reporters on 4 September, BelTA has learned.

Lilia Ananich said that the National Literary Award presented after the opening of the Belarusian Literature Day celebrations in Rogachev is the highest honor for Belarusian writers and poets. “The award is an expression of gratitude for the caring attitude to the national language and the efforts to preserve it,” the minister emphasized.

She also pointed out that all the cities and towns that have hosted the Literature Day celebrations have traces of that. “The holiday leaves not only spiritual traces, but also material ones. Still, the main goal of the event is to encourage people to think about the importance of the continuity of generations and the transfer of experience and wisdom from the older generation to the younger one,” Lilia Ananich said.

The minister noted that Belarusian cities and towns believe it is prestigious to host Literature Day celebrations. The selection principle is always the same. The host location should prove that it has made a considerable contribution to the history and culture of Belarus. “Rogachev District is the birthplace of many talented men of letters. It deserves hosting the holiday. The organization of the celebrations is top notch,” Lilia Ananich emphasized.

In the run-up to the Belarusian Literature Day, the Information Ministry published a book about the literature of Rogachev District, a collection of works by local poets and writers. Lilia Ananich pointed out that the book will enrich the spiritual treasury of the region.

The Belarusian Literature Day celebrations were attended by representatives of the diplomatic missions accredited in Belarus, a delegation of Belarusian communities from 19 countries, writers from Belarus and other countries. The program featured about 100 events. There were themed pavilions and exhibitions dedicated to the 75^th anniversary of the birth of Vladimir Mulyavin, 95^th anniversary of the birth of Ivan Melezh, 120^th birthday of Kondrat Krapiva, and 125^th anniversary of the birth of Maxim Bogdanovich. Belarus’ National Library arranged exposition 500 Years of Belarusian Book Printing that showcased unique book printing samples of the 17^th – 20^th centuries. Festival of books and newspapers was held as part of the celebrations.

The Belarusian Literature Day is a national holiday celebrated annually on the first Sunday of September.