«We are creating the world together!» The President opened the XXXII Festival of Arts «Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk»
The Unifying Power of Art: The President Opened "Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk" and Spoke About the Festival's Main Mission
In the Summer Amphitheater, at the grand opening of the XXXII International Festival of Arts "Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk," internationally recognized fanfares sounded, meaning Vitebsk is gathering friends again! Since 1995, the festival has been under the personal patronage of the President, becoming a bright calling card and a true brand of Belarus. From the festive stage, Alexander Lukashenko addressed not only the residents and guests of Vitebsk but also millions of viewers from different corners of the planet:
We, Belarusians, call Vitebsk the cultural capital not for the sake of pathos. This status is predetermined by history.
And a thousand years ago, when the route from the Varangians to the Greeks passed through here, and today, the city was and remains a crossroads of national cultures and traditions of different peoples. The rhythm of creative ideas and concepts has always pulsed here. At the beginning of the last century, innovative art forms for that time were created in the workshops of Malevich, Chagall, and other avant-garde artists. Now they are recognized as world classics.
In our time, the Vitebsk region has become the birthplace of large-scale creative festivals, competitions, and forums of republican and international levels. Here, new ideas are bornnew traditions emerge, new talents are discovered — the history of contemporary art is created.
You are writing this history — our beloved artists, painters, composers, poets, folk masters. I sincerely thank everyone who gives a piece of their soul to our festival. We hear it in songs, see it in theatrical productions, dance performances and street shows, in unique decorative items.
All of us, participants, organizers, and guests, are creating an amazing atmosphere of true, genuine art here, which unites peoples and states. Art that is beautiful in its national flavor, which is truly high, always rising above political games and intrigues.
The festival's motto "Through Art — to Peace and Mutual Understanding" has never been as relevant as it is today. Slavic unity, the unity of all sane people, is once again being tested. But here, in Vitebsk, year after year, we see how it only grows stronger. And we gain more friends.
Artists from the farthest corners of the planet perform on this stage. Coming to us, they say "no" to all artificially created barriers between peoples and countries, to all imposed stereotypes and opinions about our countries.
Year after year, gathering under the dome of the Vitebsk amphitheater, we together — Belarusians, Russians, and, I am sure, many Ukrainians here, and our guests — create peace! And this is the main mission of "Slavianski Bazaar".
Dear friends!
You know that the festival is held under the patronage of the President of Belarus, and I also have my own mission here. I highly value the right entrusted to me to present well-deserved awards on this stage.
As in all previous years, today we honor those who are taking their first steps in their profession, and those who are already established masters.
We value experience and contribution to the development of national culture, we see new talents and open the way for them to a great life and a big stage. To some extent, this ceremony reflects the essence of the policy of our states, built on the principles of continuity of eras and generations.
We, Belarusians, have immense respect for our predecessors, on whose shoulders we stand, strengtheningand developing its statehood. And we are doing everything to become a reliable support for our children and grandchildren ourselves.
We have always been an island of safety and a reliable support for all peace-loving people. Believe me, Belarus will always be like that.
May the history of "Slavianski Bazaar" and our Belarus be eternal. May the best melodies and voices always sound on this stage, not only from Belarusian artists, but also from our close neighbors Russia, Ukraine, other Slavic peoples, and indeed many other nations that have long mastered this place and this platform for flights into the future. May peace and creation remain the main goals of modern and future generations.
I declare the International Festival "Slavianski Bazaar" open once again!
— This large-scale and truly extraordinary international forum has been enriching the cultural life of many countries for decades, making a significant contribution to strengthening spiritual ties between Slavic peoples, and expanding mutually beneficial cooperation in the humanitarian sphere. "Slavianski Bazaar" is famous for its good creative traditions, its atmosphere of friendship and creation, and fully embodies its motto "Through Art – To Peace and Mutual Understanding"...
Vladimir Putin thanked the organizers of "Slavianski Bazaar" for their organizational work and wished all festival participants inspiration and creative success, and its guests – unforgettable impressions.
After presenting the special award of the President of the Republic of Belarus "Through Art – To Peace and Mutual Understanding" to the Honored Artist of Belarus Elena Spiridovich, the Head of State spoke about how, after the collapse of the Soviet Union, certain businessmen proposed to hold "Slavianski Bazaar" in different cities andcountries. Moreover, only a few people spoke out against this approach, including Elena Spiridovich.
Alexander Lukashenko recalled the history of the festival at the very beginning of his presidency and spoke about his first steps on the Vitebsk stage:
— You know what state a person is in when they come out before a huge audience. There are 7,000 here (in the Summer Amphitheater. — Editorial note), millions are watching. And I, as usual, approach our well-known hosts. And a very, it seemed to me, young girl (now an adult) tries to immediately dump some information on me, understanding that it will be difficult to meet with the President, especially in those times. I listen to her through phrases, through words. And I remembered Alena's phrase: "Alexander Grigoryevich, please save the 'Slavianski Bazaar'!"
According to the Belarusian leader, those were difficult times. And it wasn't about the collapse of the Soviet Union or a lack of funds:
Alexander Lukashenko fundamentally stated that he told this not to emphasize his role:
— And they emphasize it so much... What I did, didn't do, bad, good — it's all you. Such is the fate of presidents. But I want to emphasize, to tell those very people that there were very few — three, maybe four people, maybe five, who, having become attached to our festival with their souls, clung to it with a death grip and asked everyone they could to preserve it. We presented this prize (to Elena Spiridovich — Editorial note) not in vain. Perhaps a little late. Therefore, Alena, do not be modest. You have deservedly received this award...
— Dear Alexander Grigoryevich, you have just given me wings. This is a great honor and great trust. And I know that I will do everything possible and even impossible to justify this trust. Thank you for doing this here, in Vitebsk, on a stage that is sacred to me…
"SB"
In the Summer Amphitheater, at the grand opening of the XXXII International Festival of Arts "Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk," internationally recognized fanfares sounded, meaning Vitebsk is gathering friends again! Since 1995, the festival has been under the personal patronage of the President, becoming a bright calling card and a true brand of Belarus. From the festive stage, Alexander Lukashenko addressed not only the residents and guests of Vitebsk but also millions of viewers from different corners of the planet:
— The festival's motto "Through Art – Towards Peace and Mutual Understanding" has never been as relevant as it is today. Slavic unity, the unity of all sane people, is once again being tested. But here, in Vitebsk, year after year, we see how it only grows stronger. And we gain more friends… By coming to us, they say "no" to all artificially created barriers between peoples and countries.
Speech by President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko at the Opening Ceremony of the XXXII International Festival of Arts "Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk"
Dear hosts and guests of our ancient and eternally young city of Vitebsk! I congratulate you once again on the opening of the International Festival "Slavianski Bazaar." A festival that for a third of a century has been making our beautiful city on the Dvina a center of attraction for true talents and genuine art connoisseurs.We, Belarusians, call Vitebsk the cultural capital not for the sake of pathos. This status is predetermined by history.
And a thousand years ago, when the route from the Varangians to the Greeks passed through here, and today, the city was and remains a crossroads of national cultures and traditions of different peoples. The rhythm of creative ideas and concepts has always pulsed here. At the beginning of the last century, innovative art forms for that time were created in the workshops of Malevich, Chagall, and other avant-garde artists. Now they are recognized as world classics.
In our time, the Vitebsk region has become the birthplace of large-scale creative festivals, competitions, and forums of republican and international levels. Here, new ideas are bornnew traditions emerge, new talents are discovered — the history of contemporary art is created.
You are writing this history — our beloved artists, painters, composers, poets, folk masters. I sincerely thank everyone who gives a piece of their soul to our festival. We hear it in songs, see it in theatrical productions, dance performances and street shows, in unique decorative items.
All of us, participants, organizers, and guests, are creating an amazing atmosphere of true, genuine art here, which unites peoples and states. Art that is beautiful in its national flavor, which is truly high, always rising above political games and intrigues.
The festival's motto "Through Art — to Peace and Mutual Understanding" has never been as relevant as it is today. Slavic unity, the unity of all sane people, is once again being tested. But here, in Vitebsk, year after year, we see how it only grows stronger. And we gain more friends.
Artists from the farthest corners of the planet perform on this stage. Coming to us, they say "no" to all artificially created barriers between peoples and countries, to all imposed stereotypes and opinions about our countries.
Year after year, gathering under the dome of the Vitebsk amphitheater, we together — Belarusians, Russians, and, I am sure, many Ukrainians here, and our guests — create peace! And this is the main mission of "Slavianski Bazaar".
Dear friends!
You know that the festival is held under the patronage of the President of Belarus, and I also have my own mission here. I highly value the right entrusted to me to present well-deserved awards on this stage.
As in all previous years, today we honor those who are taking their first steps in their profession, and those who are already established masters.
We value experience and contribution to the development of national culture, we see new talents and open the way for them to a great life and a big stage. To some extent, this ceremony reflects the essence of the policy of our states, built on the principles of continuity of eras and generations.
We, Belarusians, have immense respect for our predecessors, on whose shoulders we stand, strengtheningand developing its statehood. And we are doing everything to become a reliable support for our children and grandchildren ourselves.
We have always been an island of safety and a reliable support for all peace-loving people. Believe me, Belarus will always be like that.
May the history of "Slavianski Bazaar" and our Belarus be eternal. May the best melodies and voices always sound on this stage, not only from Belarusian artists, but also from our close neighbors Russia, Ukraine, other Slavic peoples, and indeed many other nations that have long mastered this place and this platform for flights into the future. May peace and creation remain the main goals of modern and future generations.
I declare the International Festival "Slavianski Bazaar" open once again!
A large-scale and truly extraordinary international forum
At the opening ceremony, a welcome address from Russian President Vladimir Putin was also read from the Vitebsk stage. He emphasized:— This large-scale and truly extraordinary international forum has been enriching the cultural life of many countries for decades, making a significant contribution to strengthening spiritual ties between Slavic peoples, and expanding mutually beneficial cooperation in the humanitarian sphere. "Slavianski Bazaar" is famous for its good creative traditions, its atmosphere of friendship and creation, and fully embodies its motto "Through Art – To Peace and Mutual Understanding"...
Vladimir Putin thanked the organizers of "Slavianski Bazaar" for their organizational work and wished all festival participants inspiration and creative success, and its guests – unforgettable impressions.
"Save Slavianski Bazaar!"
Alexander Lukashenko told how he saved the festival in Vitebsk at the dawn of his presidency.After presenting the special award of the President of the Republic of Belarus "Through Art – To Peace and Mutual Understanding" to the Honored Artist of Belarus Elena Spiridovich, the Head of State spoke about how, after the collapse of the Soviet Union, certain businessmen proposed to hold "Slavianski Bazaar" in different cities andcountries. Moreover, only a few people spoke out against this approach, including Elena Spiridovich.
Alexander Lukashenko recalled the history of the festival at the very beginning of his presidency and spoke about his first steps on the Vitebsk stage:
— You know what state a person is in when they come out before a huge audience. There are 7,000 here (in the Summer Amphitheater. — Editorial note), millions are watching. And I, as usual, approach our well-known hosts. And a very, it seemed to me, young girl (now an adult) tries to immediately dump some information on me, understanding that it will be difficult to meet with the President, especially in those times. I listen to her through phrases, through words. And I remembered Alena's phrase: "Alexander Grigoryevich, please save the 'Slavianski Bazaar'!"
According to the Belarusian leader, those were difficult times. And it wasn't about the collapse of the Soviet Union or a lack of funds:
— The fact is that skillful businessmen, who appeared on the avant-garde of our society, tried to spread this "Slavianski Bazaar" across cities and villages. Only a few people, including Alena, felt that the festival would not exist, it would dissolve, perish. Returning from my first event, I understood all this.
Alexander Lukashenko fundamentally stated that he told this not to emphasize his role:
— And they emphasize it so much... What I did, didn't do, bad, good — it's all you. Such is the fate of presidents. But I want to emphasize, to tell those very people that there were very few — three, maybe four people, maybe five, who, having become attached to our festival with their souls, clung to it with a death grip and asked everyone they could to preserve it. We presented this prize (to Elena Spiridovich — Editorial note) not in vain. Perhaps a little late. Therefore, Alena, do not be modest. You have deservedly received this award...
From the bottom of my heart
During the official opening ceremony of the festival, addressing the Head of State with gratitude for the award "Through Art – to Peace and Understanding" presented to her, Elena Spiridovich said:— Dear Alexander Grigoryevich, you have just given me wings. This is a great honor and great trust. And I know that I will do everything possible and even impossible to justify this trust. Thank you for doing this here, in Vitebsk, on a stage that is sacred to me…
I know that the world we live in is ruled by love. And everything is very simple: you need to love the work you do, the people for whom you live, and love your country. This is how I have lived until today, and this is how I will live on!
"SB"