The traditions of "Slavianski Bazaar" are based on the principles of careful respect for the culture of each nation - P.Latushko

July 8, Vitebsk / Diana Kurilo - BELTA /. "Slavianski Bazaar" is strong in its traditions. This point of view was expressed at a press conference dedicated to the opening of the XX International Festival of Arts "Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk" by the Minister of Culture of Belarus, Pavel Latushko, a BELTA correspondent reports.

"The strength of the festival lies in its traditions. They are important, they must be preserved, but the festival will creatively evolve," the minister stated. He emphasized that the audience votes for the preservation of the festival traditions. "The most striking argument is that tickets for the festival are sold out, and the festival remains the most-watched project of the First National Channel," said Pavel Latushko.

Thanks to the festival, Vitebsk has become a unique cultural center, a place of attraction for cultural figures from different countries. "The traditions of the festival are based on the principles of mutual respect, careful attitude towards the culture, language, national identity of each people, and the desire for mutual understanding and enrichment of cultures," emphasized Pavel Latushko.

It is symbolic that the festival began its journey along with the formation of modern Belarusian statehood. Over 20 years, significant changes have occurred in the cultural sphere: the unique National Library has been built, a modern building of the National Art Museum has been constructed, the National Academic Grand Opera and Ballet Theatre, and Mir Castle have been reconstructed and restored, and the opening of Nesvizh Palace is ahead.

Twenty years ago, the Vitebsk festival had a modest goal - to introduce the Vitebsk audience to the song creativity of Slavic countries. However, as early as 1995, "Slavianski Bazaar" began to be called an international festival of arts. In 2003, the children's music competition began its history. The main goal of the festival became the presentation of the creative forces of countries close in culture, uniting them around Belarusian culture, emphasized Pavel Latushko.

In 2005, the President of Belarus established a special award "Through Art – to Peace and Mutual Understanding," which is presented annually at the grand opening ceremony of the festival. It is awarded to cultural and art figures who have made a significant contribution to strengthening international cultural cooperation, promoting achievements and examples of world artistic culture based on humanistic ideals and values.

Today, "Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk" has become a true forum for the festival movement. Over the past years, tens of thousands of the best representatives of art from Europe and the world have visited the festival, with over 60 countries presenting their national art. In 20 years, the festival has been attended by over 3 million spectators and more than 55 thousand participants.

As Pavel Latushko noted, "Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk" enjoys strong state support. "This is the key to the successful holding of the festival," the minister emphasized.-0-