The central square turned into a cinema hall, and the lake into a mirror of the past. Senno celebrated the city's 575th anniversary
The celebration began at the main attraction of the district center – the "Kaplichka" spring, flowing from under Zamkovaya Mountain and feeding Sennenskoye Lake.
A theatrical performance was held, telling about the ancient times and legends of the city. Mythical Tsmok, who defended the city in ancient times, and the artist-traveler Napoleon Orda, who captured Sennoye in his paintings in the early 19th century, sailed across the lake on stylized boats.
A chapel has been erected on the lake shore on the eve of the holiday, where the icon of Saint Matrona of Moscow will be kept.
Then the participants of the celebrations marched in a column to the central square. Welcoming the residents and guests of the city, the chairman of the district executive committee Vasily Cherednik noted that together with the whole country, Sennenshchina has gone through a long and glorious path, making a worthy contribution to the formation and development of the state at all stages.
The official date of Sennoye's origin is considered to be its first mention in 1442 in the documents of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania during the reign of Prince Casimir. In different eras, Sennenshchina was part of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, the Russian Empire, and from 1777 to 1924 the city was the center of a large district of the Mogilev Governorate.
During the Great Patriotic War, the largest tank battle took place here. Seven natives of Sennenshchina, who defended the independence of their native land, were awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union – Pyotr Masherov, Alexander Gorovets, Sergey Kovalenko, Ivan Kaminsky, Alexey Matyushev, Alexander Bedakovich, Ivan Tomashevsky.
Sennenskaya region has given the country many prominent cultural figures, including poets Tadeusz Łada-Zabłocki, Ales Žaŭruk, and Anatol Veliuhin, People's Artist of Belarus Zinaida Konopelko, and sculptor Zair Azgur. Here, at the beginning of the 20th century, in the Belitsa estate, the great bard of the Belarusian people, Janka Kupała, began his poetic journey.
A simple peasant woman from Sennensky district, Matryona Markevich, made her contribution to the state's history by creating an embroidery that formed the basis of the ornament on the state flag of the Republic of Belarus.
In recent years, much has been done for the people in the district. The year 2016 was significant when Senno hosted the regional "Dazhynki" festival. In preparation for the holiday, the city was fundamentally transformed, becoming more comfortable for living, working, and recreation. Improvement work continues, and the central district hospital is undergoing reconstruction.
Vasily Cherednik thanked all residents who contribute to the development of their native region through conscientious work.
A cooperation agreement between Sennensky district and Porhovsky district of Pskov region was signed right in the square. Previously, similar agreements were concluded with Peschanokopsky district of Rostov region and Pochinkovsky district of Smolensk region.
Vasily Cherednik and the head of Porhovsky district of Pskov region, Valery Usanov, after signing the cooperation agreement
The development of partnership relations concerns the economy, trade, culture, and social sphere. The first deputy chairman of the regional executive committee, Oleg Matskevich, joined the congratulations to the residents of Senno on the city's anniversary.
The festive procession included a parade of baby carriages. The construction by Evgeny and Marina Plakusunovs attracted particular interest from spectators. The couple spent three days creating a tank-stroller for their son Sviatoslav.
Evgeny and Marina Plakusunovs with their sons Sviatoslav, Daniil, and nephew Platon during the baby carriage parade
Fighters of the 19th Mechanized Brigade from Zaslonovo, Lepel District, demonstrated hand-to-hand combat skills. Throughout the day, amateur and professional artists performed for the city's residents and guests, including the Academic Song and Dance Ensemble of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Belarus. The VIA "Sudba" attracted attention. Incidentally, Oleg Matskevich played rhythm guitar in this ensemble in his youth.
Thematic areas featured the photo project "Sennno: Past and Present," "City of Masters," and "Rainbow of Health." The "Library Boulevard" hosted an exhibition of literature about Sennensky District, and poets recited poems about their native region.
Historical reenactment clubs from Vitebsk participated in the celebration
Performers from the ensemble "Večarynka" got the Chairman of the Sennensky District Council of Deputies, Mikhail Vilyugo, and the Director of "Vitebsktorghstroy," Nikolai Akulovich, dancing
Employees of the Ministry of Emergency Situations and DOSAAF motocross riders demonstrated their professional skills, and those interested could take a helicopter ride over the city with the Vitebsk Aero Club.
After the festive fireworks, a screening of the film "Battle of Senno" took place, shot by filmmakers from St. Petersburg. A huge screen was hung on the facade of the district executive committee, and the central square turned into an auditorium for half an hour.
Sergey Lyashuk. Photos by Anton STEPANISHCHEV. "Vitebskiye vesti".