The "Slavianski Bazaar" always has a unique atmosphere of interethnic friendship – Alexander Lukashenko
"The past and the present are intertwined here not only in culture but also in the fate of people, making this event close to everyone who understands the nature of spiritual kinship, knows their roots, and honors national heritage," the President said.
According to Alexander Lukashenko, it is no coincidence that the festival's history began when the political life of a state that had united many peoples into one family for decades came to an end.
"And where politicians drew state borders, people found the simplest, time-tested way to maintain good, now neighborly relations – through cultural ties. A tradition was born on the Vitebsk land, which once again cemented the Slavic world with the melody of beloved songs, the sound of amazing voices, and the poetry and music of the soul of universally known authors and performers," the Belarusian leader recalled.
The preserved unity, trust, and mutual support of peoples have become a real support in the formation and development of young sovereign states, the Head of State noted. The international competition has not only brought like-minded people together but has also attracted the attention of talented artists from other corners of the globe.
"Representatives of many countries and continents have, over the years, adorned and imbued the musical marathon with the deepest meaning," the President noted. – "Through Art – to Peace and Mutual Understanding" – this life-affirming idea, embedded in the concept of "Slavianski Bazaar" in the year of its founding, remains highly relevant and modern today. Perhaps even more relevant and modern than decades ago."
"A unique atmosphere of interethnic friendship always reigns here, which exists beyond state borders, beyond political and religious views and beliefs. The Vitebsk festival serves the noblest goals," Alexander Lukashenko emphasized.
The Head of State noted that the participation of representatives from more than 40 countries in "Slavianski Bazaar" confirms the spiritual generosity of Belarusians, who are hospitable and open to friendship with the whole world.
"The current forum has brought together representatives from over forty countries in Vitebsk. In addition to our closest neighbors, we have guests from Great Britain, Canada, North Korea, Egypt, Colombia, and Guinea. This undoubtedly confirms the spiritual generosity of Belarusians, who are hospitable and open to friendship with the whole world, and the tolerance of Slavic peoples," said Alexander Lukashenko.
According to him, Belarus is happy to welcome foreign guests and to embrace everyone who comes with pure thoughts and good intentions into its large festival family. "And we are happy that the number of such people is growing every year, and their acquaintance with Belarus continues in other cities and regions as well," the President stated.
The Head of State also noted that the Vitebsk Amphitheater has been adorning the city for thirty years, creating a musical atmosphere. "It hosted the first concerts of 'Slavianski Bazaar', and it's impossible to count how many songs have been performed since then, how many stars have lit up here and how many audiences have been met. But it can be said for sure that the main concert venue of the forum has become a home away from home for many artists. A place where everyone feels comfortable - both regular guests, already famous performers, and debutants," Alexander Lukashenko pointed out.
During the grand opening of the festival, the Head of State presented the special award "Through Art - to Peace and Mutual Understanding" to singer Roza Rymbaeva, the Grand Prix of the XVI International Children's Music Competition "Vitebsk-2018" to Oleksandr Balabanov from Ukraine, as well as the Union State Prizes in Literature and Art for 2017-2018. Their recipients were People's Artist of Russia, composer Oleg Ivanov, the creative team consisting of People's Artist of Russia, conductor Valery Polyansky, and Honored Worker of Culture of Russia Alexander Shanin, as well as People's Artist of the Soviet Union, ballet master Valentin Elizariev.
The forum organizers presented Alexander Lukashenko with a protective belt - a main gift for a man among Slavic peoples. Thus, they thanked the Head of State for his timely assistance in preserving the festival, which now unites many nations.
"We were right then to preserve this festival. It would have been simply destroyed. I know that for sure now. They wanted to let it drift freely through cities, towns, and countries so that it would gradually fade away, extinguish, as we say. That's why we preserved it for you and were right: we really need it today, and it will always be in demand," Alexander Lukashenko is convinced.
"Let's not hide it, our Slavic world is not entirely calm today. And what is happening here today, I am sure you don't even realize how important it is that we have gathered here - for Belarusians, Russians, Ukrainians, for all those republics of the Soviet Union that were once in one state," the President noted.