The grand opening of the Pskov Region Days took place on Millennium Square in Vitebsk
As noted by the Governor of the Pskov Region, Mikhail Vedernikov, residents and guests of Vitebsk will enjoy a rich program that includes 30 business, educational, cultural, and patriotic events. Approximately 250 artists, folk craftsmen, and experts have arrived from Pskov.
– I expect that during this time you will discover Pskov from a new perspective, fall in love with our land, and definitely come to visit us, – emphasized Mikhail Vedernikov.
A year ago, Pskov hosted the Days of the Vitebsk Region. Our Russian neighbors say that the success at that time exceeded all expectations. It was bright, great, interesting, and delicious. The hosts were genuinely happy to welcome their Belarusian friends, with whom they exchanged experiences and ideas, got acquainted with the region's potential, and asked for this format of meetings to become traditional.
– We grew up in a single historical and cultural space, were raised on common examples of heroism, are united by common values, and understand each other without words, – said Mikhail Vedernikov.
Pskov and Vitebsk are over a thousand years old, both cities were founded at the confluence of two rivers, and both received their names from the Pskova and Vitba rivers, respectively. According to legend, the beginning of Vitebsk was laid by Saint Olga, a native of Pskov. And in Polotsk, according to one version, Prince Dovmont was born, who founded the Pskov Kremlin. There are many such personalities who played an important role in the history of the two regions.
Culture also connects the neighboring regions – two picturesque paintings by Marc Chagall are kept in the collections of the Pskov Museum-Reserve. Vitebsk, in turn, carefully preserves the memory of the Russian poet Alexander Pushkin, who passed through the city on the Dvina River on his way to Mikhailovskoye.
Native residents of Pskov and Vitebsk regions fought heroically against the fascists during the Great Patriotic War. The Vitebsk Gate, the only corridor to the Belarusian partisan territory, was located in the Usvyaty district of Pskov. The Mound of Friendship, where Belarusian, Russian, and Latvian partisans and underground fighters met for decades, is located on the border of the two regions.
– We have many such common pages, and we will continue the chronicle of our common centuries-old history, – concluded Mikhail Vedernikov.
Igor Petrishenko, Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Belarus, addressed the Pskov delegation with a welcoming speech, emphasizing that Russia and Belarus have a rich common history, a powerful present, and a bright future.
– Today we will add another page to our friendship. Thank you very much for bringing a piece of your land and soul to Vitebsk. I hope you will feel the Belarusian hospitality, – concluded the solemn part of the opening ceremony, Chairman of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee Alexander Subbotin.
Mikhail Vedernikov, Igor Petrishenko, and Alexander Subbotin inspected the sites hosting the Russian business and cultural delegation: an industrial exhibition, a fair, children's, tourist, and youth zones, and a food court. The rows with products from Pskov farmers, particularly Nevel snails and homemade cheeses, attracted special interest.
The concert program was opened by Honored Artist of Russia Natalia Alexandrova and the Governor's Symphony Orchestra of the Pskov Region.