"This is a celebration of friendship and mutual understanding" - Alexander Lukashenko opened the "Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk"

The "Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk" festival has become a celebration of friendship and mutual understanding. This was stated by the President of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko, at the grand opening ceremony of the XXVIII International Festival of Arts "Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk".

"On this solemn evening, I sincerely wish to welcome everyone who has responded with their hearts to the call signs of the international festival of arts "Slavianski Bazaar". Everyone, thanks to whom not just the city, but our entire Belarus literally lives with art, sounds with the music of the festival summer, and speaks in different languages. We are glad to welcome everyone who has come to share this beautiful celebration with us – a true celebration of art, friendship, and mutual understanding," said Alexander Lukashenko.

The Head of State noted that this is exactly how the festival was conceived in the early 1990s; it became a response of creative people to the collapse of a great multinational country. "They united to preserve fraternal relations between the new independent states. This is natural: in difficult times, people have always found moral support in art," the President emphasized.

According to him, Vitebsk was not chosen by chance as the cultural capital of the fraternal Slavic countries at that time: the city possesses a special creative energy. "The greatest avant-garde artists – Malevich and Chagall – lived and worked here. They gave the world the black square and young lovers soaring over the city," noted Alexander Lukashenko.

He stated that the creative atmosphere reigning in Vitebsk has been inspiring the creation of vibrant and diverse festivals for half a century now. Many of them still gather the most talented musicians, choreographers, designers, and artists from various countries today.

"We have preserved the status of Vitebsk as a city with rich cultural traditions by supporting the "Slavianski Bazaar" festival at the state level. At one time, we simply saved the "Slavianski Bazaar" from destruction after the collapse of the Soviet Union. And not in vain – every year we welcome friends of our festival from all corners of the globe. The Slavic world, which perhaps many in the West once did not take seriously, has become the core, the center of attraction for many peoples. Today in Vitebsk, we already hear the speech of representatives from India, China, Cuba, Israel, and the United States of America. We are glad to see them. Traditionally, during the July days, Vitebsk is an example of the most hospitable and musical city," said the head of state.

Alexander Lukashenko wished the festival contestants successful performances, the jury fair judging, the spectators the most positive emotions and good spirits, and everyone good weather. He is convinced that the impressions from the festival days will be the brightest, the mood only festive, and the souls will be warmed by the melodies of beloved songs.

BELTA.