Security measures, visa-free travel with a ticket, and star riders: the international festival "Slavianski Bazaar" will open in Vitebsk next week
Fans of the international festival in Vitebsk, regardless of countries and continents, are accustomed to measuring time "from bazaar to bazaar." The organizers of the popular art forum are no exception. Based on this, let's say: a very difficult year for all of us has passed. Fortunately, today's epidemiological situation shows that the most anxious time is behind us. Therefore, the next, 29th Slavic Bazaar in Vitebsk, symbolizes the triumph of victory, the happiness of unity, and the joy of new meetings.
And Belarus, the homeland of one of the largest festivals, has already hospitably opened its arms: welcome to all who are ready to move towards peace and mutual understanding through art. What are the specifics of this year's reception of foreign spectators and participants? How ready are the services and departments for it? In what ways will special security measures be manifested?
— The most interesting thing was when a few years ago, in an application for airspace use, we saw the familiar surname Emir Kusturica. That is, the Yugoslav and Serbian film director, famous film actor, and musician was personally at the controls of the aircraft, recalls flight supervisor Andrey Suvorov. — He was bringing his band No Smoking Orchestra to Vitebsk at that time.
We communicated with the pilot via radio. The tone of a business conversation between an air traffic controller and a pilot was, of course, slightly relaxed: I conveyed greetings from all Vitebsk residents to him and thanked him for his work. And the artist was impressed that he was recognized even in the sky. A noteworthy moment: after landing, all members of the No Smoking Orchestra, while waiting for the vehicles to take them to Vitebsk, collectively took out cigarettes…
Airport veteran Leonid Luzhkov, who worked as an engineer and deputy head of the branch for over 40 years, shows a photo album: it features meetings on the tarmac with Philipp Kirkorov, Laima Vaikule, Nikolai Baskov, Vladimir Vinokur, Oleg Gazmanov, Boris Moiseev, Alexander Rybak, Ruslan Alekhno, Larisa Dolina, and other stars.
— Before the flight, all passengers, including them, undergo registration, security checks, and border control, notes Sergey Ruris. — The time spent at the airport is 2-3 hours. We try to make it as comfortable as possible for our guests. Most of them gladly agree to selfies and leave thank-you notes for the staff. It's time to open a museum of memorable encounters. Look here, Bari Alibasov wrote in a sweeping hand directly on a sheet: "Vitebsk Airport is the best place in the world! I love you!". It's pleasant. Over many years of meetings and farewells, airport staff have learned the characters and habits of star guests. For example, Larisa Dolina usually prefers not to leave her car while waiting for a flight. Kirkorov dislikes small planes and group travel. He needs grandeur. To accommodate assistants, equipment, and wardrobe, he usually rents a Tu-134. Oleg Gazmanov is one of us. He'll sit on a bench in the yard and is open to communication with everyone. They were very friendly and communicative during their arrival.in Lev Leshchenko, Iosif Kobzon. Boris Moiseev is a joker: "Oh, hello, old friend! Pour me a drink!". Svetlana Loboda really likes the VIP lounge, she said it's better than in Moscow.
Currently, the airport staff do not yet know who they will be welcoming this year. But they are confident that the representation of artists will be no less significant than in previous years. Especially since international rail traffic has not yet been fully restored. So the air route is the fastest and most direct.
— For the safety of foreign guests, we have provided everything necessary, — notes Sergey Ruris. — Staff strictly wear masks and gloves. Temperature screening is mandatory for them. Departure and arrival zones are equipped taking into account social distancing requirements. Premises are cleaned hourly using disinfectants, hand sanitizers are installed, and there is our own medical unit — necessary medical assistance can be provided at any moment. There is an isolation room for passengers who suddenly feel unwell. Arriving aircraft are treated with disinfectants with the issuance of special certificates. So there is nothing to fear.
"Slavyansky Bazaar in Vitebsk" is an incentive for the further development of the transport system. And aviation is no exception. In the coming years, the Vitebsk airfield will be expanded with a new hangar complex, and the zones for servicing air passengers and the work of border and customs services will be reconstructed and expanded.
— The President has signed a decree providing for a visa-free entry regime to Belarus for participants and guests from 73 states. The pass for visa-free border crossing for foreign citizens will be a ticket to the festival events. This procedure has been in place for the second year in a row, but now, taking into account last year's practice, it has been specified.some points were specified. For example, it is indicated: visa-free entry to the country is allowed from July 6 to July 25, but no later than the date indicated on the concert ticket. Only one person can enter on one original electronic ticket, not a whole family.
Migration service officers emphasize that privileges are privileges, but the law must be strictly observed. In the past festival season, over 2000 foreigners from Poland, Germany, the USA, Denmark, France, and other countries took advantage of visa-free entry. The analysis showed that about 30 people who arrived in our country with tickets for festival events left earlier than their scheduled dates for some reason. That is, the "Slavianski Bazaar" was not the main purpose of visiting the country. As a preventive measure against such actions in the future, these citizens are restricted from entering Belarus for one year.
— Maximum convenience and minimum restrictions are created for guests, — says Svetlana Petrovna. — Citizens of the Russian Federation can be in our country without registration for up to 90 days, citizens of the Baltic countries and Ukraine — up to 30. That is, they do not need to register at all during the "Slavianski Bazaar" days. All others must do so within ten days. Registration can be done free of charge both online and in person (in honor of the festival, exemption from payment is in effect). But those who officially host foreigners must remember the rules. Within three hours, they are obliged to notify us about the check-in. Last year, for example, the owner of an agro-усадьба near Vitebsk ignored this formality and did not notify the migration service about hosting four Russians. As a result, he was brought to administrative responsibility.
Interestingly, on the first day of the visa-free entry opening, three people immediately took advantage of it at the checkpoints — citizens of Lithuania and Latvia. The migration service is starting round-the-clock duty, and translators have been selected. So, at the first need, foreign guests will be provided with qualified assistance in resolving any life situations.
By the way, this practice has already proven its demand. Last season, a citizen of Germany, who did not knowRussian language, could not check into a hotel booked online and, completely bewildered, turned to the migration service. They helped him find a place in a hostel. And also, in the middle of the night, it was necessary to urgently leave to extend the visa for a young participant in a children's song contest from Malta: the little girl became one of the winners and had to stay in Vitebsk for some more time, but her visa was expiring. The issue required an immediate solution. The migration department is ready for any unexpected situations even now.
— Traditionally, members of the jury of adult and children's song contests, stars of Belarusian and Russian pop music, the Presidential Orchestra, and other participants are accommodated here. The specific distribution of guests is the prerogative of the directorate of the "Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk" festival. Therefore, we also do not know in advance whom we will be hosting. The general guideline for this festival hotel season is the strictest adherence to all necessary sanitary and hygiene standards and rules, maximum room service delivery, and social distancing in the restaurant.
Media guests are not only a prestige for the hotel but also a huge responsibility, admit the staff of "Luchesa". For example, last year, youth idol Olga Buzova conducted live online reports for her subscribers directly from a hotel room. She showed the interior, talked about what and how they were fed. It's nice that there were no criticisms in her publications.
Dmitry Alexandrovich shows the rooms where famous guests usually stay. These are comfortable single standard rooms and luxurious apartments with delightful bedrooms, jacuzzis, fireplaces, studies, and even... an infrared sauna. Over the 15 years of the hotel's existence, many pop stars have stayed here. And all of them were satisfied.
— We constantly update and improve our room stock, — notes the director. — We actively monitor social media, read reviews, and make adjustments. We have modernized the kitchen and installed our own mini-bakery here. Now guests will be served hot croissants, buns, cookies, and pastries for breakfast. Last year, several rooms were renovated, and this year too. The main task is to ensure a comfortable rest for our guests, peace and quiet, and to protect them from sometimes intrusive fans.
The head of the reception and accommodation bureau, Elena Sych, smiles: the persistence of artists' fans is sometimes enviable. People are ready to wait under the hotel doors day and night just to get an autograph or take a picture with their idol. For example, a retired teacher, about 70 years old, comes annually from the north of Russia to Vitebsk to communicate with her favorite artists for at least a second. For the last 15 years, she has spent the festival seasons within the hotel walls. Such an unusual hobby...
A special fan frenzy is felt during the stay of the darling of the female audience, Stas Mikhailov. By some unknown means, fans of all ages find out his specific temporary location and are ready to give half their lives for a fleeting glance and a signature in a notebook. Yegor Kreed also usually had to leave the hotel through the back entrance.
And what about the cuisine? What are the preferences of today's stars? Local restaurateurs emphasize new trends: every year, a healthy lifestyle is gaining popularity among artists. Many flatly refuse alcohol, visit the well-equipped hotel gym, prefer vegetable, fruit, and vegetarian diets, but also gladly explore the secrets of Belarusian national cuisine. In the mornings, hiding behind baseball caps, they go for runs at the local stadium. And Valeria and her husband once even asked to find bicycles and went for a long bike ride around the city.
— As for the riders, they are all feasible. Stars do not demand anything overly complicated. But we are ready to fulfill any wishes. The qualifications of our chefs are sufficient even for baked quailsto prepare, and to serve rare seafood delicacies, — notes Elena Vladimirovna. — We still remember the moment when, before Andrey Makarevich's arrival, we received a request: the menu should include at least 50 types of cheese. We had to try hard, of course, to create such a variety. In the end, it turned out that the artist's representatives had "slightly" exaggerated his cheese preferences. And in conclusion, the most pleasant part. As is already traditional, the international arts forum will be marked by historical new constructions. The most significant of them is the opening of the Polotsk overpass. Instead of four years of work on the construction of this huge and strategically important structure for the region, it was completed in 20 months. So, from the direction of St. Petersburg and the Baltics, guests will arrive at the opening of "Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk" via a new beautiful bridge with numerous interchange branches. Godspeed, you are expected here!
Vadim Zaryankin, Chairman of the Vitebsk City Executive Committee:
— Large-scale preparatory work has been carried out in the city to receive guests and participants of "Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk". The festival is an excellent stimulus for renewal and creation. We are glad that a large number of foreign citizens are coming to us, including many good old friends: the international forum is designed to unite everyone who is not indifferent to art, beauty, and creativity. We hope that this time the trip to Vitebsk will be unforgettable for representatives of more than 20 countries that have declared their participation.
And Belarus, the homeland of one of the largest festivals, has already hospitably opened its arms: welcome to all who are ready to move towards peace and mutual understanding through art. What are the specifics of this year's reception of foreign spectators and participants? How ready are the services and departments for it? In what ways will special security measures be manifested?
Landing Clearance
Vitebsk International Airport is now living with the anticipation of new meetings. Sergey Ruris, head of the Vitebsk branch of the state enterprise Belaronavigation, does not hide the fact that the air harbor also measures time within the framework of "from festival to festival." And not because regular flights were absent for several months due to the unfavorable epidemic situation and border closures. It's just that the Slavic Bazaar is an opportunity to touch the festival traditions right at work, to make a small contribution to creating a festive atmosphere. Air traffic controllers joke: "We deliver the show from the sky to the Summer Amphitheater." And they recall amusing stories.Air traffic controllers joke: "We deliver the show from the sky to the Summer Amphitheater."
— The most interesting thing was when a few years ago, in an application for airspace use, we saw the familiar surname Emir Kusturica. That is, the Yugoslav and Serbian film director, famous film actor, and musician was personally at the controls of the aircraft, recalls flight supervisor Andrey Suvorov. — He was bringing his band No Smoking Orchestra to Vitebsk at that time.
We communicated with the pilot via radio. The tone of a business conversation between an air traffic controller and a pilot was, of course, slightly relaxed: I conveyed greetings from all Vitebsk residents to him and thanked him for his work. And the artist was impressed that he was recognized even in the sky. A noteworthy moment: after landing, all members of the No Smoking Orchestra, while waiting for the vehicles to take them to Vitebsk, collectively took out cigarettes…
Airport veteran Leonid Luzhkov, who worked as an engineer and deputy head of the branch for over 40 years, shows a photo album: it features meetings on the tarmac with Philipp Kirkorov, Laima Vaikule, Nikolai Baskov, Vladimir Vinokur, Oleg Gazmanov, Boris Moiseev, Alexander Rybak, Ruslan Alekhno, Larisa Dolina, and other stars.
— Before the flight, all passengers, including them, undergo registration, security checks, and border control, notes Sergey Ruris. — The time spent at the airport is 2-3 hours. We try to make it as comfortable as possible for our guests. Most of them gladly agree to selfies and leave thank-you notes for the staff. It's time to open a museum of memorable encounters. Look here, Bari Alibasov wrote in a sweeping hand directly on a sheet: "Vitebsk Airport is the best place in the world! I love you!". It's pleasant. Over many years of meetings and farewells, airport staff have learned the characters and habits of star guests. For example, Larisa Dolina usually prefers not to leave her car while waiting for a flight. Kirkorov dislikes small planes and group travel. He needs grandeur. To accommodate assistants, equipment, and wardrobe, he usually rents a Tu-134. Oleg Gazmanov is one of us. He'll sit on a bench in the yard and is open to communication with everyone. They were very friendly and communicative during their arrival.in Lev Leshchenko, Iosif Kobzon. Boris Moiseev is a joker: "Oh, hello, old friend! Pour me a drink!". Svetlana Loboda really likes the VIP lounge, she said it's better than in Moscow.
Currently, the airport staff do not yet know who they will be welcoming this year. But they are confident that the representation of artists will be no less significant than in previous years. Especially since international rail traffic has not yet been fully restored. So the air route is the fastest and most direct.
— For the safety of foreign guests, we have provided everything necessary, — notes Sergey Ruris. — Staff strictly wear masks and gloves. Temperature screening is mandatory for them. Departure and arrival zones are equipped taking into account social distancing requirements. Premises are cleaned hourly using disinfectants, hand sanitizers are installed, and there is our own medical unit — necessary medical assistance can be provided at any moment. There is an isolation room for passengers who suddenly feel unwell. Arriving aircraft are treated with disinfectants with the issuance of special certificates. So there is nothing to fear.
"Slavyansky Bazaar in Vitebsk" is an incentive for the further development of the transport system. And aviation is no exception. In the coming years, the Vitebsk airfield will be expanded with a new hangar complex, and the zones for servicing air passengers and the work of border and customs services will be reconstructed and expanded.
Entry with Privileges
The Department for Citizenship and Migration of the Internal Affairs Directorate of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee states that they are ready to work under conditions of increased load. According to preliminary forecasts, tens of thousands of guests, including those from near and far abroad, will visit Vitebsk during the days of the "Slavyansky Bazaar". The head of the department, Svetlana Avik, emphasizes:— The President has signed a decree providing for a visa-free entry regime to Belarus for participants and guests from 73 states. The pass for visa-free border crossing for foreign citizens will be a ticket to the festival events. This procedure has been in place for the second year in a row, but now, taking into account last year's practice, it has been specified.some points were specified. For example, it is indicated: visa-free entry to the country is allowed from July 6 to July 25, but no later than the date indicated on the concert ticket. Only one person can enter on one original electronic ticket, not a whole family.
Migration service officers emphasize that privileges are privileges, but the law must be strictly observed. In the past festival season, over 2000 foreigners from Poland, Germany, the USA, Denmark, France, and other countries took advantage of visa-free entry. The analysis showed that about 30 people who arrived in our country with tickets for festival events left earlier than their scheduled dates for some reason. That is, the "Slavianski Bazaar" was not the main purpose of visiting the country. As a preventive measure against such actions in the future, these citizens are restricted from entering Belarus for one year.
— Maximum convenience and minimum restrictions are created for guests, — says Svetlana Petrovna. — Citizens of the Russian Federation can be in our country without registration for up to 90 days, citizens of the Baltic countries and Ukraine — up to 30. That is, they do not need to register at all during the "Slavianski Bazaar" days. All others must do so within ten days. Registration can be done free of charge both online and in person (in honor of the festival, exemption from payment is in effect). But those who officially host foreigners must remember the rules. Within three hours, they are obliged to notify us about the check-in. Last year, for example, the owner of an agro-усадьба near Vitebsk ignored this formality and did not notify the migration service about hosting four Russians. As a result, he was brought to administrative responsibility.
Interestingly, on the first day of the visa-free entry opening, three people immediately took advantage of it at the checkpoints — citizens of Lithuania and Latvia. The migration service is starting round-the-clock duty, and translators have been selected. So, at the first need, foreign guests will be provided with qualified assistance in resolving any life situations.
By the way, this practice has already proven its demand. Last season, a citizen of Germany, who did not knowRussian language, could not check into a hotel booked online and, completely bewildered, turned to the migration service. They helped him find a place in a hostel. And also, in the middle of the night, it was necessary to urgently leave to extend the visa for a young participant in a children's song contest from Malta: the little girl became one of the winners and had to stay in Vitebsk for some more time, but her visa was expiring. The issue required an immediate solution. The migration department is ready for any unexpected situations even now.
Hotels are waiting
A dozen and a half large hotels, cozy private hotels, and comfortable dormitories of educational institutions will be involved in accommodating the festival guests. The total capacity is over 2000 people. One of the most popular and comfortable hotels, the three-star "Luchesa," can accommodate about 200 people at a time. The director of the latter, Dmitry Egorov, says:— Traditionally, members of the jury of adult and children's song contests, stars of Belarusian and Russian pop music, the Presidential Orchestra, and other participants are accommodated here. The specific distribution of guests is the prerogative of the directorate of the "Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk" festival. Therefore, we also do not know in advance whom we will be hosting. The general guideline for this festival hotel season is the strictest adherence to all necessary sanitary and hygiene standards and rules, maximum room service delivery, and social distancing in the restaurant.
Director of the "Luchesa" tourist and hotel complex Dmitry Egorov.
Media guests are not only a prestige for the hotel but also a huge responsibility, admit the staff of "Luchesa". For example, last year, youth idol Olga Buzova conducted live online reports for her subscribers directly from a hotel room. She showed the interior, talked about what and how they were fed. It's nice that there were no criticisms in her publications.
Dmitry Alexandrovich shows the rooms where famous guests usually stay. These are comfortable single standard rooms and luxurious apartments with delightful bedrooms, jacuzzis, fireplaces, studies, and even... an infrared sauna. Over the 15 years of the hotel's existence, many pop stars have stayed here. And all of them were satisfied.
"Luchesa" Hotel, Vitebsk.
— We constantly update and improve our room stock, — notes the director. — We actively monitor social media, read reviews, and make adjustments. We have modernized the kitchen and installed our own mini-bakery here. Now guests will be served hot croissants, buns, cookies, and pastries for breakfast. Last year, several rooms were renovated, and this year too. The main task is to ensure a comfortable rest for our guests, peace and quiet, and to protect them from sometimes intrusive fans.
The head of the reception and accommodation bureau, Elena Sych, smiles: the persistence of artists' fans is sometimes enviable. People are ready to wait under the hotel doors day and night just to get an autograph or take a picture with their idol. For example, a retired teacher, about 70 years old, comes annually from the north of Russia to Vitebsk to communicate with her favorite artists for at least a second. For the last 15 years, she has spent the festival seasons within the hotel walls. Such an unusual hobby...
A special fan frenzy is felt during the stay of the darling of the female audience, Stas Mikhailov. By some unknown means, fans of all ages find out his specific temporary location and are ready to give half their lives for a fleeting glance and a signature in a notebook. Yegor Kreed also usually had to leave the hotel through the back entrance.
And what about the cuisine? What are the preferences of today's stars? Local restaurateurs emphasize new trends: every year, a healthy lifestyle is gaining popularity among artists. Many flatly refuse alcohol, visit the well-equipped hotel gym, prefer vegetable, fruit, and vegetarian diets, but also gladly explore the secrets of Belarusian national cuisine. In the mornings, hiding behind baseball caps, they go for runs at the local stadium. And Valeria and her husband once even asked to find bicycles and went for a long bike ride around the city.
— As for the riders, they are all feasible. Stars do not demand anything overly complicated. But we are ready to fulfill any wishes. The qualifications of our chefs are sufficient even for baked quailsto prepare, and to serve rare seafood delicacies, — notes Elena Vladimirovna. — We still remember the moment when, before Andrey Makarevich's arrival, we received a request: the menu should include at least 50 types of cheese. We had to try hard, of course, to create such a variety. In the end, it turned out that the artist's representatives had "slightly" exaggerated his cheese preferences. And in conclusion, the most pleasant part. As is already traditional, the international arts forum will be marked by historical new constructions. The most significant of them is the opening of the Polotsk overpass. Instead of four years of work on the construction of this huge and strategically important structure for the region, it was completed in 20 months. So, from the direction of St. Petersburg and the Baltics, guests will arrive at the opening of "Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk" via a new beautiful bridge with numerous interchange branches. Godspeed, you are expected here!
The duty operational service of the Internal Affairs Directorate of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee is ready for the influx of guests.
COMPETENT OPINION
Vadim Zaryankin, Chairman of the Vitebsk City Executive Committee:
— Large-scale preparatory work has been carried out in the city to receive guests and participants of "Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk". The festival is an excellent stimulus for renewal and creation. We are glad that a large number of foreign citizens are coming to us, including many good old friends: the international forum is designed to unite everyone who is not indifferent to art, beauty, and creativity. We hope that this time the trip to Vitebsk will be unforgettable for representatives of more than 20 countries that have declared their participation.
WHAT'S NEW IN THE PROGRAM?
- The festival will be held in a condensed format from July 16 to 19.
- Another stage is being built for the festival participants near the Vitebsk Concert Hall. The children's international competition and other events will take place here.
- For the first time at the festival, a night cinema will be open: films will be shown outdoors on a huge screen – this is a joint project of the festival directorate and "Belarusfilm".
- There is no need to buy flowers for the artists: no one will be allowed on stage. Instead, the "Bouquet of Kindness" campaign will be launched – a charity account will be opened where you can transfer money instead of buying a bouquet.
- Theatres will take to the streets – there will be no performances in halls.
- "Star Hours" will also take place outdoors – anyone can see their favorite artists.