Glibokaye will turn into the cherry capital for a whole week

Every spring, the town of Hlybokaye is bathed in the white blossoms of cherry trees, and in the summer, they delight local residents with a bountiful harvest of red berries. You'll hardly find a yard without a cherry tree here, and they grow exceptionally tasty – sweeter and juicier than others.

The cherries are called "Lapyrovy" here, named after the renowned Hlybokaye agronomist Boleslav Lapyra, who cultivated his own cherry varieties back "during the Polish times." Seedlings from his gardens first appeared in local courtyards and then spread throughout the region.

For the third year now, in July, the town hosts a beautiful "Cherry Festival." This year, it will be particularly grand, lasting almost a week – from July 13 to 18, coinciding with the berry harvest. Each day promises to be vibrant, eventful, and memorable.

The festival program includes a series of concerts, exhibitions, and thematic events, all more or less related to the popular berry: cherry "Olympic Games," a retro disco, cherry yard entertainment, cherry cafe surprises, a cherry pie parade…

The main events will unfold on July 18. Traditionally, the festival opens with a ceremonial procession led by a beautiful lady – Queen Cherry. By the way, participants can expect a pleasant surprise. Her Majesty will surprise everyone this year not only with a new luxurious outfit but also by taking her own gilded carriage, which will be showcased to the residents and guests of Hlybokaye for the first time.

On the picturesque shore of Lake Kagalnoye, the next cherry weddings will take place. Several couples will register their marriages simultaneously. And not just any way, but with a symbolic ceremony. The honorary participants will be families who started their unions during the first festival three years ago. The former newlyweds have already become parents and are invited to the celebration with their children.

Undoubtedly, it will be crowded on the festive days near the decorative sculpture "Hlybokaye Cherry." It's simply unforgivable to miss this spot. According to popular belief, touching the red cherries will surely bring happiness. Touching the leaves will bring financial prosperity. Stroking the stems will ensure a bright and smooth life path. And if a young couple, holding hands, walks around the "cherry" three times, they can expect a wedding the following year. They say it works.

At the festival, artists, singers, musicians, folk craft masters, and chefs will showcase their talents.

A special intrigue is the accordionist competition. Local virtuosos have been preparing for it for a long time and seriously. The promised prize for the winner is an excellent new accordion. Of course, cherry-colored.

Irina Svirko,