Thousands of residents and guests of Vitebsk celebrated the 1044th anniversary of the city's founding
The celebration began with a reception for official delegations from twin cities from Russia, Poland, Latvia, China, Bulgaria, regions of Belarus, and Vitebsk Oblast. The Chairman of the Vitebsk City Executive Committee, Viktor Nikolaikin, spoke about the history, socio-economic situation, and cultural traditions of the city.
Together with the guests, flowers were laid at the site of the execution of civilians during the Great Patriotic War near the town hall, and the sculpture "Vitebsk Giant," dedicated to the tallest man on the planet, was unveiled.
Fyodor Makhnov (1878-1912) was born near Vitebsk into a poor peasant family; his height was 285 cm. As part of a circus, he traveled the world and met with US President Theodore Roosevelt.
Guests were introduced to the exposition of the Museum of the History of the Vitebsk People's Art School. The first art educational institution in the territory of modern Belarus was founded by Marc Chagall in 1918. On Stroiteley Avenue, a monumental decorative sculpture "Luchesa" was unveiled, symbolizing one of the three rivers of Vitebsk.
In Frunze Park, on Millennium Square, and near the monument to Algirdas, historical reconstruction clubs performed.
Retro cars were presented on Victory Square.
A bell ringing festival took place near the Assumption Cathedral. Those who wished could take a tour of Vitebsk by tram.
In the evening, a solemn meeting and a festive concert "My City - My Love!" took place in the Summer Amphitheatre. Laureates of the "Vitebsk Citizen of the Year" award were honored on the main stage.
Then, a concert and entertainment program "We Praise Vitebsk!" was held on Victory Square. The day will conclude with a fireworks display and a light show.