Lukashenko: Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk has become a celebration of traditional values

Aleksandr Lukashenko said: “Today this festival unites people of different generations, religions, and cultures, who are true connoisseurs of art and have the most diverse preferences ranging from avant-garde to classics. But most importantly it has become a genuine family holiday, a celebration of traditional values. Residents and our guests can definitely rest their souls here.”

He offered words of gratitude to organizers of the forum, artists, masters of arts and to everyone, who comes to Belarus every year in order to spend the best days of the festival summer here. “Thanks to you the history of Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk continues and will continue even after us. Together with our children and grandchildren,” the president stressed.

Aleksandr Lukashenko wished limitless inspiration and bright creative ideas to all participants of the festival. He encouraged the spectators to rest their hearts and souls together with the artists.

The head of state declared the 33rd international art festival Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk open.

The opening of Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk is always the time of triumph of cultural figures, whose art unites countries and nations.

“However hard some may try to silence and diminish the significance of our festival, it is futile. The festival is famous across the entire planet,” the head of state is convinced.

Aleksandr Lukashenko presented the festival’s key prize – the Belarus president’s special prize “Through art towards peace and mutual understanding” – to People’s Artist of Russia Grigory Leps.

The president also presented prizes of the Union State of Belarus and Russia for literature and art for 2023-2024 to people, who had made a significant contribution to the reinforcement of friendship between the peoples of Belarus and Russia.

Aleksandr Lukashenko also presented the Grand Prix to a young talented singer, who won the international children’s music contest Vitebsk. “To a little star, who has yet to shine on the musical sky,” he noted. Yasmina Khusniddinova, a singer from Uzbekistan, has won the children’s contest this year.

After presenting the well-deserved awards Aleksandr Lukashenko once again congratulated the laureates: “Accept sincere congratulations not only from me. On behalf of the entire Belarusian nation, on behalf of the Slavs, who are gathered here, in this huge hall, allow me to congratulate you on these excellent awards. May they be yet another award.”

“Happiness and strong health to you. Live long and be calm: everything will be fine!” the Belarusian leader wished everyone in conclusion.