The "Dvina-Dvina-Daugava" festival brought together over 500 young talents from Belarus, Russia, and Latvia in Verkhnedvinsk
The festival was named after the river that unites three nations. The tradition began in 1999, and for the seventeenth time, the well-maintained and rejuvenated Verkhnedvinsk warmly welcomed its esteemed guests. The celebration commenced with a flash mob in the central city square, followed by a spectacular motorcycle parade of bikers who arrived from various cities of the Vitebsk region. Subsequently, the ensemble of drummers from the Verkhnedvinsk Children's Art School showcased their exquisite skills. After an impressive parade, the girls led the solemn procession of delegations, setting the rhythm for the column throughout the entire route and evoking general delight.
The main event unfolded in the park on the banks of the Dvina, whose territory transformed into a true fairy-tale town for children. Various exhibitions, playgrounds, attractions, fun games, contests, and sports and entertainment events were held here. And, of course, the young artists were the center of attention. Initially, they were all invited to the main stage area, decorated with the sails of the "Ship of Friendship" – the symbol of the festival.
– The idea of the holiday, – said Irina Kozel, Chairperson of the District Council of Deputies, welcoming the participants, – perfectly embodies the historical purpose of the border Verkhnedvinsk region – to strengthen friendship and mutual understanding between neighboring states. We are always open to contacts and are glad that their geography is constantly expanding.
Verkhnedvinsk has long-standing partnerships with Russian Sebezh, Latvian Dagda and Kraslava based on cooperation agreements. Recently, a similar agreement was signed with the city of Kingisepp, Leningrad Region, whose representatives performed at the festival for the first time. In addition, collectives from Vitebsk, Glubokoe, Dubrovno, Rossony, Chashniki, Gorodok, and Minsk added bright colors to the palette of creativity. Until the evening, the participants of the gala concert "Childhood is You and Me" delighted the audience with their talents. Latgalian folk songs echoed with heartfelt Belarusian tunes, interspersed with dances characteristic of the Pskov region, and lively modern compositions, performances by musicians, vocalists, and fashion theaters.
At the end of the gala concert, Tatyana Sevalkina, Deputy Chairperson of the Verkhnedvinsk District Executive Committee, presented the participants with diplomas and souvenirs and warmly thanked everyone who helped organize the festival of childhood, creativity, and inspiration.
– We are very glad that we came. The atmosphere here is magnificent, you can feel a real celebration, – shared her impressions the mother of seven-year-old Nastya Molchanova from the Rossony exemplary studio "Nadezhda".
The high level of festival organization and the hospitality of Belarusians were noted by Larisa Izotova from Sebezh, an Honored Worker of Culture of the Russian Federation. Rita Vayshlya, the head of the dance ensemble "Ezheres" from Dagda, shared that the exchange of experience at such a representative forum is very beneficial for children. One concert replaces ten rehearsals, and moreover, the children can meet and communicate with their peers, spend time interestingly, and have a wonderful rest.
Larisa MALASHEnya, photos by the author. "Vitebskiye vesti".