The grand opening of the "Slavianski Bazaar" took place in Vitebsk
"Dear Belarusians, our long-awaited numerous guests! Once again, the call signs of the 'Slavianski Bazaar' are sounding on the ancient Vitebsk land. This melody merges the sounds of beloved songs, the voices of truly national artists, and the applause of the most soulful, sincere, and open audience gathered here in this amphitheater," said Alexander Lukashenko. "In these applauses, the centuries-old history of unique Slavic culture resonates, which has enriched the world with extraordinary spirituality, depth, and beauty. These sounds, as in all previous years, have again found a lively response in the hearts of thousands of people who have come to Belarus, despite the distances and, unfortunately, certain obstacles."
According to the President, this is evidence that art is eternal, and the aspiration of peoples for friendship and peace overcomes and will overcome any obstacles. "I will say more: in today's crazy, bewildered world, which is canceling culture and languages, rejecting people based on national and other grounds, our festival has become almost the only life-giving spring, a source of creation and new achievements!" – stated the head of state.
The head of state presented the Grand Prix of the children's competition "Slavianski Bazaar" to Belarusian Yelisey Kasich.
Young Belarusian performer Yelisey Kasich won the Grand Prix of the юбилейный XX International Children's Music Competition "Vitebsk".
Belarusian performer Anatoly Yarmolenko and the ensemble "Syabry" were awarded this year the special prize of the President of Belarus "Through Art - to Peace and Mutual Understanding".
The head of state Alexander Lukashenko presented the award to the artists during the opening ceremony of the XXXI International Festival of Arts "Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk".
After the official part, a traditional gala concert awaited the audience.
Creative groups and performers of all ages arrived from different countries on this cool July evening to warm up the audience with the sparks of their talent and receive in return heartfelt warmth and grateful smiles. Declarations of love for the festival in different languages were heard from the stage more than once, as well as gratitude to the forum for the path in life, new opportunities, and new friends.
Denis Maidanov, Grigory Leps, Zara, Ruhiya, Irina Dorofeeva, Anatoly Yarmolenko and the ensemble "Syabry", "Pesniary", Ruslan Alekhno, Alena Lanskaya - these and many other famous, beloved, long-awaited artists, guests, friends of the festival congratulated Vitebsk and its residents on the holiday with their performances. The singers performed familiar compositions, including with the accompaniment of an orchestra. Opera, disco, retro hits - everything was a hit! Choreographic numbers made the entire auditorium dance in place, and circus tricks made them freeze with delight and admiration. A ballet, rare for a festival stage but surprisingly touching, gave the concert guests a feeling of a light fairy tale.
The hosts also recalled the legacy of the Vitebsk native artist Marc Chagall, whose 135th birthday is celebrated this year. Today, the traditions of fine art are alive in his hometown; Vitebsk offers all sorts of exhibitions for art lovers, and a new exhibition is presented almost every day at the "Slavianski Bazaar".
Real chemistry, but creative, was happening on the festival stage. Young energy resonated with the charisma of experienced singers, creating a magnificent symbiosis. Performances by beloved artists evoked bursts of applause in the auditorium. And a festive fireworks display became a bright highlight of the solemn ceremony.