The international festival "Visiting the Lepel Dragon" will take place on August 8

The festival is dedicated to mythology and identity. Representatives from Belarus, Russia, China, Slovakia, Lithuania, and Latvia will take part in it.

"The image of a serpent-like mythical creature unites many cultures, where it is present as one of the iconic symbols protecting natural wealth. The dragon was most often fire-breathing and associated with the cult of water bodies. It could cause drought or, conversely, become a patron of agriculture. It could bestow treasures upon the poor but generous, and leave the greedy penniless. Among Belarusians, it is Tsmok; among Lithuanians, Aituaras; among Poles, Wawel Dragon; among Latvians, Pukis; among Russians, Dragon (Zmey Gorynych)," explained Violetta Grudskaya.

Guests will get acquainted with benevolent dragons, learn interesting facts from Belarusian mythology, about beliefs and customs, participate in a quest game, interactive programs, and culinary master classes from the hosts of Belarusian agro-ecotourism estates and representatives of the famous Lithuanian fair "Kaziukas". A craftsman from Postavy will offer rides on a wooden boat.

Belarusian musical groups "Stary Olsa", "Rokash", "Vuray", Naka, Trio de Vilna (Lithuania), and students from Beijing United University will perform at the festival. Children will be delighted by the "Children's Hillock," where they will meet characters from folk tales and have fun on wooden attractions.

The program includes an "informal meeting." It will bring together representatives of the National Tourism Agency, embassies of participating countries, and tourism industry professionals. The discussion topic is "A New Look at a Multi-level Approach to Organizing Multilateral International Cooperation in Joint Cultural and Tourism Projects."

"Since the Zhmok is the guardian of fresh water, regulating the balance of earthly and heavenly waters, the organizers have devised a new approach to advertising the sanatorium and resort facilities of the Vitebsk region, which widely use mineral water sources from their own wells. Their presentation will allow Belarusians and guests from abroad to learn more about the "gold" that flows like a river under their feet and its healing properties. Along with this, sanatoriums will advertise their treatment programs," added Violetta Grudskaya.

The festival organizers are the Department of Sports and Tourism of the Regional Executive Committee, the Lepel District Executive Committee, RaidoTour LLC, and others.

Ekaterina Knyazeva, BELTA.