The first Belarusian festival of light and republican scale. How does Polotsk plan to celebrate City Day?
By the decision of the District Council of Deputies, the holiday will be held in early September, and its main theme is "Polotsk – the Cradle of Belarusian Statehood". A commemorative sign with the same name was erected near the St. Sophia Cathedral last year, during the celebration of the Day of Belarusian Written Language and the 1155th anniversary of the ancient city.
The celebrations once again confirmed the special historical significance of Polotsk for the entire country as the patriarch of our history and culture. Therefore, the local authorities took the initiative to include the City Day in the list of republican holidays and celebrate it annually as another date of Belarusian statehood. The holiday is designed to unite Belarusians on the basis of pride in their history, to remind them of the rich historical and cultural heritage that must be preserved and multiplied.
The 1156th anniversary of Polotsk will be celebrated, as reported by Elena Astapova, Head of the Department of Ideological Work, Culture and Youth Affairs of the District Executive Committee, over three days. Traditionally, the program will be opened by the National Children and Youth Forum "Skaryna Days in Polotsk". The City Day itself will be held under the banner of preserving traditions and continuity of generations.
The celebrations will be continued by the first light festival in Belarus, during which the city will be decorated with original light installations, accompanied by creative experiments and performances. The literary forum "Center of Europe" will bring together poets and writers from different countries, and the medieval culture festival "Rubon" will bring together fans of chivalry and historical reconstruction. In addition, the implementation of the projects "Theatrical Autumn" and "Festival of Belarusian Cuisine" is planned.
The festival will provide an additional opportunity to popularize tourist products and present the main excursion brands of the region. To welcome guests with dignity, Polotsk residents began preparations in advance. Current issues were discussed at an expanded meeting chaired by Deputy Chairman of the District Executive Committee Petr Petkevich. Responsible persons have been tasked with joining forces and organizing work at a high level in accordance with the adopted concept.