President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko took part in the opening ceremony of the XXIX International Festival of Arts "Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk".
"On this solemn evening, I am overwhelmed with feelings of joy and pride for all of us, primarily for Belarusians, who have never fallen and do not fall to their knees before the challenges of time. An example of this is the "Slavianski Bazaar," a festival with a bright, interesting destiny," said Alexander Lukashenko.
Alexander Lukashenko noted that "Slavianski Bazaar" is not only about songs, but also a hub for all directions and types of culture. He is convinced that today the Vitebsk amphitheater has gathered the brightest artists, the kindest and most responsive spectators. Those who come and travel to this festival by the call of their heart. "Those who are united by a sincere love for the pan-Slavic culture," added the President.
The Head of State wished the guests and participants of the festival that these days would bring them many vivid emotions, and the contests would discover new names in the world of art.
During the festival's opening ceremony, the President presented the Union State Prizes in Literature and Art for 2019-2020.
The awards were given to Anatoly Alay, film director of the "Letopis" studio and People's Artist of Belarus; Alexander Efremov, artistic director of the film actor studio-theater of the "Belarusfilm" National Film Studio; and the creative team consisting of directors Irina Margolina, Oksana Cherkasova, Elena Petkevich, and Irina Kodyukova.
Alexander Lukashenko also presented People's Artist of Russia Philipp Kirkorov with the special award of the President of Belarus "Through Art – to Peace and Mutual Understanding" for 2020.
"It is a great honor for me to receive one of Belarus's most significant awards for the second time. I remember the evening when I received the Order of Francis Skaryna. It was several years ago. I think I truly deserved this order, just like those who worthily represented Belarus at the Eurovision Song Contest when I wrote the song for Dmitry Koldun and produced this performance. And in fact, at the moment, this is the highest result for Belarus at Eurovision, and I am very proud to have been a part of it," noted Philipp Kirkorov, accepting another award from Alexander Lukashenko.
The Russian singer considers it symbolic that he received the special award of the President of Belarus at a time when "Slavianski Bazaar" has become the only music festival that has survived in the former Soviet Union during this difficult time. "I was born in the USSR, and for me to stand under the Belarusian flag, to
The President noted that the festival's history began in the 1990s against the backdrop of difficult new relations being built between sovereign states created from the fragments of a huge empire – the Soviet Union. The festival was conceived as a celebration of friendship between fraternal peoples: Belarusians, Russians, and Ukrainians.
"A quarter of a century ago, this great event could have traveled through the cities and villages of the collapsed Soviet Union. And this year, it could have simply been put on pause, as happened with well-known world shows and competitions. But then and today, we have preserved our "Slavianski Bazaar," our Slavic tradition. Despite closed borders, the brightest, most decorated artists from Belarus, Russia, Ukraine, our fraternal peoples and republics, and other states have gathered here. It couldn't have been any other way," the Head of State is confident.
According to Alexander Lukashenko, "Slavianski Bazaar" has become the heart of cultural and spiritual unity. And it, the President emphasized, must beat in the name of the main idea laid at the foundation of the festival – "Through Art – to Peace and Mutual Understanding."
"Especially today, when all countries and peoples are on the brink of a global geopolitical crisis, a redistribution of the world, it is vitally important for us to preserve the tradition that unites people. After all, no matter what happens in the world, the international festival "Slavianski Bazaar" has always broken down barriers and strengthened the friendship of peoples," Alexander Lukashenko stated.
The President noted that hundreds of artists of different nationalities, different political and religious views, from various states have performed on the festival stage year after year. But, despite international conflicts, interethnic and internal political crises, peace, friendship, and mutual understanding have always reigned here. "What's the secret? Probably, first and foremost, in the cultural code of the Slavs, in the common thousand-year history of the ancestors of modern Slavic peoples. In it, we will not find facts of barbaric destruction of traditions and annihilation of other civilizations. There is only creation and mutual enrichment of cultures. We are peaceful people, we have done and will do everything beautifully and peacefully. Therefore, every year "Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk" attracts participants
and guests from all over the world," said the Head of State. "A quarter of a century ago, this great event could have traveled through the cities and villages of the collapsed Soviet Union. And this year, it could have simply been put on pause, as happened with well-known world shows and competitions. But then and today, we have preserved our "Slavianski Bazaar," our Slavic tradition. Despite closed borders, the brightest, most decorated artists from Belarus, Russia, Ukraine, our fraternal peoples and republics, and other states have gathered here. It couldn't have been any other way," the Head of State is confident.
According to Alexander Lukashenko, "Slavianski Bazaar" has become the heart of cultural and spiritual unity. And it, the President emphasized, must beat in the name of the main idea laid at the foundation of the festival – "Through Art – to Peace and Mutual Understanding."
"Especially today, when all countries and peoples are on the brink of a global geopolitical crisis, a redistribution of the world, it is vitally important for us to preserve the tradition that unites people. After all, no matter what happens in the world, the international festival "Slavianski Bazaar" has always broken down barriers and strengthened the friendship of peoples," Alexander Lukashenko stated.
The President noted that hundreds of artists of different nationalities, different political and religious views, from various states have performed on the festival stage year after year. But, despite international conflicts, interethnic and internal political crises, peace, friendship, and mutual understanding have always reigned here. "What's the secret? Probably, first and foremost, in the cultural code of the Slavs, in the common thousand-year history of the ancestors of modern Slavic peoples. In it, we will not find facts of barbaric destruction of traditions and annihilation of other civilizations. There is only creation and mutual enrichment of cultures. We are peaceful people, we have done and will do everything beautifully and peacefully. Therefore, every year "Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk" attracts participants
Alexander Lukashenko noted that "Slavianski Bazaar" is not only about songs, but also a hub for all directions and types of culture. He is convinced that today the Vitebsk amphitheater has gathered the brightest artists, the kindest and most responsive spectators. Those who come and travel to this festival by the call of their heart. "Those who are united by a sincere love for the pan-Slavic culture," added the President.
The Head of State wished the guests and participants of the festival that these days would bring them many vivid emotions, and the contests would discover new names in the world of art.
During the festival's opening ceremony, the President presented the Union State Prizes in Literature and Art for 2019-2020.
The awards were given to Anatoly Alay, film director of the "Letopis" studio and People's Artist of Belarus; Alexander Efremov, artistic director of the film actor studio-theater of the "Belarusfilm" National Film Studio; and the creative team consisting of directors Irina Margolina, Oksana Cherkasova, Elena Petkevich, and Irina Kodyukova.
Alexander Lukashenko also presented People's Artist of Russia Philipp Kirkorov with the special award of the President of Belarus "Through Art – to Peace and Mutual Understanding" for 2020.
"It is a great honor for me to receive one of Belarus's most significant awards for the second time. I remember the evening when I received the Order of Francis Skaryna. It was several years ago. I think I truly deserved this order, just like those who worthily represented Belarus at the Eurovision Song Contest when I wrote the song for Dmitry Koldun and produced this performance. And in fact, at the moment, this is the highest result for Belarus at Eurovision, and I am very proud to have been a part of it," noted Philipp Kirkorov, accepting another award from Alexander Lukashenko.
The Russian singer considers it symbolic that he received the special award of the President of Belarus at a time when "Slavianski Bazaar" has become the only music festival that has survived in the former Soviet Union during this difficult time. "I was born in the USSR, and for me to stand under the Belarusian flag, to
"To represent and defend the honor of the country is the same as defending the honor and glory of your country, Russia. Belarus and Russia have always been together. Even "Eurovision" gave up and was postponed, while Belarus and "Slavianski Bazaar" lived, lives and will live! I am proud of my friendship with you, Belarus!" - stated Philipp Kirkorov to applause.
The Head of State admitted that today he studied the biography of the Russian performer in detail and was amazed by the huge number of his awards. "I thought: we will present him with another award... And then I thought: no, not another one - this is an international spiritual Slavic award, and his roots are in Slavdom. I think he will perceive it as the highest. He has many awards, and the Order of Francis Skaryna is the highest award in Belarus for our intelligentsia. I see his uniqueness: he can joke, say something else, but it is difficult to find such a sincere person in this Slavic world. Everything he said was from the heart," - Alexander Lukashenko is convinced.
The pop singer once again recalled that in 2012, the Belarusian leader awarded him the Order of Francis Skaryna. "Alexander Grigoryevich, there is something to strive for. God loves a trinity! I am a People's Artist of Russia, People's Artist of Ukraine, People's Artist of Moldova..." - noted Philipp Kirkorov.
"I remember," - the President replied enigmatically.
Official website of the President of the Republic of Belarus.
The Head of State admitted that today he studied the biography of the Russian performer in detail and was amazed by the huge number of his awards. "I thought: we will present him with another award... And then I thought: no, not another one - this is an international spiritual Slavic award, and his roots are in Slavdom. I think he will perceive it as the highest. He has many awards, and the Order of Francis Skaryna is the highest award in Belarus for our intelligentsia. I see his uniqueness: he can joke, say something else, but it is difficult to find such a sincere person in this Slavic world. Everything he said was from the heart," - Alexander Lukashenko is convinced.
The pop singer once again recalled that in 2012, the Belarusian leader awarded him the Order of Francis Skaryna. "Alexander Grigoryevich, there is something to strive for. God loves a trinity! I am a People's Artist of Russia, People's Artist of Ukraine, People's Artist of Moldova..." - noted Philipp Kirkorov.
"I remember," - the President replied enigmatically.
Official website of the President of the Republic of Belarus.