Report from the Cherry Capital of Belarus: How the 10th Anniversary of the Brand Festival was Celebrated in Glubokoye

The words "cherry," "generous," and "international friendship" are heard in Glubokoye these days, as is the aroma of the red berry, which is honored here as the city's symbol. The first round date of the branded festival dedicated to cherries showed that the district center not only honors but sincerely loves both the holiday and its heroine. Cherry quests, meetings, processions, gatherings, songs, dances, games, souvenirs – all this welcomed participants and guests of the cherry capital of Belarus. 

It all began a long time ago – more than 100 years ago. Not the festival itself, of course, but it was then that the heroine of the current celebration was born – the Glubokoye cherry. Its "father" was a native of these places, an agronomist, gardener-breeder Boleslav Lapyry. The variety he bred proved to be adapted to the harsh winters of the northern region of Belarus and the whims of the weather at all other times of the year.

The famous berry of this lake region quickly absorbs the sun's rays and converts them into sweetness, while the pulp, warmed by the fresh air, becomes tender and juicy. Perhaps this is how everyone imagines the ideal cherry, which should hide a small explosive charge of taste and aroma under its thin glossy skin. As the residents of Glubokoye themselves note, if the seedlings of their already native cherry are taken to another district and an attempt is made to grow them, it is not a fact that the tree will bear fruit in its new homeland. A truly patriotic representative of the plant world of Glubokoye!

Over 10 years, the "Cherry Festival" has acquired its own chronicle, archives, and traditional guest geography. Russians from various regions and Belarusians from all over the country invariably come to the celebration. For the sixth time, our cherry capital is visited by a delegation from the city of Uvarovo, Tver Region, which claims the title of the cherry capital of Russia. A similar festival, "Vishnevaro," is held there, but with an emphasis on the culinary component. The Russian "twin" of Glubokoye gladly shares its experience and adapts some of the events held at the "Cherry Festival" on Belarusian land. For example, the residents of Uvarovo want to come up with something similar to the cherry pie auction, which always takes place in Glubokoye. By the way, this year, a surprise awaits everyone at the sale of this main festival delicacy, which will take place during the grand closing ceremony.

Not so long ago, the residents of Glubokoye visited the branded festival in Uvarovo and agreed with their Russian friends to borrow the idea of holding a carnival. Despite the fact that Glubokoye hosts a theatrical procession, the celebration can be enhanced with another costumed highlight, or rather, a cherry on top.

The residents of Uvarovo, by the way, always come to our festival not empty-handed and invariably with new costumes, generously "seasoned" with cherries. This year, they appeared before the Glubokoye public in elegant bright green dresses decorated with cherries, and no one could pass by such truly Russian beauties: both guests and participants approached the Uvarovo "cherries" (according to the guests' admission, they are called sweet cherries in Glubokoye, apparently, so as not to confuse them with their own berries) and asked to take memorable photos with them.

If you mark on the map of cities and countries from which guests and participants of the event still come to Glubokoye, then year after year new points will appear. This year's festival was attended by representatives from China, India, Pakistan, Azerbaijan, Tatarstan, Bashkortostan, and Latvia.

Latvian guests, who represent the Belarusian diaspora in the neighboring country, spoke about how glad they were to visit the festival in Glubokoye. Despite any tense situation, they came to the celebration to once again be in the circle of friends, people who understand, accept, and sincerely love them.

Pan Wulizi, a Chinese artist and postgraduate student at the Belarusian State University of Culture and Arts, who arrived at the festival as a participant, visited the signature holiday for the first time last year with his compatriots and approached the event organizers with a proposal to present his exhibition in the cherry capital. Representatives of the district executive committee took his contacts and invited him to participate this year with a collection of watercolor works.

The author depicts everyday life, paints female portraits, Belarusian and Chinese landscapes, among which his favorite theme is snowy winter as a symbol of purity. He arrived at the exhibition opening with his muse and wife, whose features are recognizable in many of the artist's paintings. Pan Wulizi also held an educational plein air near the monument to the Glubokoye cherry for students of the local art school and anyone who wished to join the master class and learn some watercolor painting secrets.

Other Chinese students of BSUCI also presented their culture at the festival. In Glubokoye, they demonstrated songs and folk dances of their homeland. Last year, guests from the Celestial Empire also visited the traditional festival and were imbued with the friendly atmosphere and local hospitality.

The delegation from the Gomel region was interested in why there are no flocks of thrushes in the Glubokoye gardens, as these birds love to feast on delicious berries and sometimes become a real disaster for housewives growing juicy cherries for compotes, fragrant jams, and homemade liqueurs. It turned out that at one of the festivals, a birdhouse and a monument to this small black bird were installed at the "Cherry Queen" residence. Most likely, the winged cherry lovers were so touched by this sign of respect that they began to protect the Glubokoye gardens. Or perhaps, there are so many cherries in these parts that the birds have simply overeaten and no longer touch them. However, I personally liked the version with the amulet monument much more.

We haven't yet mentioned one of Glubokoye's main attractions – the "Cherry Queen's" residence. Here, on both sides of the porch, there are trees adorned with huge scarlet cherries featuring the coats of arms of twin cities and the flags of the festival's participating countries.

Everything in the royal abode is dedicated to cherries – drawings, crafts, dishes, and archival photographs from previous festivals. A monument to Boleslav Lapyra is erected near the house. And it is here that the Glubokoye festival traditionally begins. Her Majesty is served by Baron Munchausen himself, whose accurate shot with a cherry pit once saved the life of the famous literary traveler. The nobleman accompanied the ruler of the entire cherry land during the main festival events: they raised the flag (a snow-white banner with an image of cherry-notes) together at the official opening, led the grand theatrical procession of participants and guests, and also awarded honorary guests with cherry "orders."

The Cherry Queen, during a private audience, confessed that next year she will have a new outfit that will impress everyone who attends the festival. She also recalled how several years ago, during a procession to Glubokoye, such a downpour occurred that she arrived at the main stage of the festival in the central town square completely drenched. This year, however, the heavens blessed the event with plenty of warmth and sunshine.

The cherry wedding remains an unchanging event of the festival. According to folk belief, an unmarried girl wishing to tie the knot must make a wish under a cherry tree, touch the berries, and reveal all her hidden dreams. And according to a new omen, couples who get married during the festival will live long and happily, and their fruits will be abundant – cherry-like children who will delight their parents with both beauty and obedience.

Alexander and Lyudmila Belye, who got married at the first festival, attended the anniversary of the branded celebration. The couple has two sons – Egor and David. The wonderful keeper of the family hearth still recalls with tenderness and warmth how her wedding was celebrated in folk traditions. She wished the newlyweds, who will be sealing their union at this festival, to cherish and protect each other and to soon rejoice in the birth of their little cherry children.

The homesteads and trade rows at the festival were bustling with activity. Artisans and craftspeople from various parts of not only the Vitebsk region but also Belarus gathered in Glubokoye. Residents of Polotsk brought honey and very tasty homemade cherry liqueur. The owners of a cheese manufactory from the Glubokoye district treated visitors to cheeses with different fillings, including cherry. Zhanna Gorelik from Baranovichi presented her wonderful handmade toys, jewelry, and wooden items. This is the master's second visit to the "Cherry Festival," and she first attended it about five years ago. She liked the town so much then that she decided to refresh her memories, create new ones, and once again feel the atmosphere of hospitable Glubokoye.

The cherry capital continues to buzz and fill with new events. Today, after the festival's closing, a spectacular fireworks display awaits guests and participants. It is symbolic that during the grand opening, a stork flew over the concert venue, as if wishing the festival many years of life, prosperity, and further development. Let us hope that this wise bird, a symbol of the Belarusian land, will bring good luck to Glubokoye and its main brand – the juicy and tender cherry – on its white wings.