Opinions & Interviews

ROGACHEV, 4 September (BelTA) – The Belarusian Literature Day in Rogachev is a gift to local residents that will stay with them for many years to come, Belarus’ Vice Prime Minister Natalia Kochanova told reporters as she attended the ceremony to open the festival in Rogachev on 4 September, BelTA has learned.

Natalya Kochanova said that in the run-up to the festival the district center changed beyond recognition. Social and cultural objects were spruced up. She stressed that a huge amount of work was done on the initiative of head of the Gomel Oblast Executive Committee Vladimir Dvornik and thanks to the efforts of Chairman of the Rogachev District Executive Committee Sergei Denisenko and local residents. “The festival will be over, but the town will enjoy the results of the refurbishment for years to come,” she said.

According to her, immediately after the end of the celebrations in Rogachev, the organizers will start preparing for the next Belarusian Literature Day, which will be hosted by the ancient Polotsk, the hometown of Francysk Skaryna.

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

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