Wood carving records, a drum majorettes festival, and a ballroom dancing tournament. What else will Vitebsk surprise with during the "Slavianski Bazaar" days

As its Director Ekaterina Labuko told us, this year the City of Masters will merge with the homesteads of the Vitebsk region and regions of Belarus – and as a result, unique states will be created on the festival continent. The entrance to each will be designed as an arch, symbolizing a gate, behind which acquaintance with regional brands, folk masters, and amateur art awaits. This format was tested in 2016 and was liked by participants and guests of the forum.

– Every year we pay special attention to a certain craft; this year it will be wood carving. For two days, the international competition "Derva Zhitsya" will be held, in which folk masters from Russia, Ukraine, Latvia, and all regions of Belarus will take part, – explained Ekaterina Labuko.

By the way, the Latvians intend to carve an 8-meter spoon at the "Slavyansky Bazaar", which will be added to the festival's Book of Records started last year.

The international festival-competition of majorettes and drummers will be held for the first time. Representatives from Vitebsk region, Russia, and Estonia will compete in the art of marching to the beat of drums.

All our ensembles have thoroughly prepared for the competition, sewed colorful costumes, and attended master classes. So, it is expected that they will show top performance, and most importantly, create a festive mood.

The tournament of everyday dances, which is being held for the 4th time, also promises to be spectacular, but previously it was held in Braslav. Now, more than 70 dance couples will showcase their skills on July 15 on Freedom Square in Vitebsk. On July 16, the fashion show festival-competition "Modny Divertisment" will be held here.

Tatyana Pasternak. Photos by Dmitry Osipov. "Vitebskiye Vesti".