Slavonic Bazaar has special magic and unique traditions, President says

MINSK, 13 July (BelTA) – The Slavonic Bazaar in Vitebsk is the national pride of Belarus, the symbol of openness and hospitality of the Belarusian land and the people, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko noted during the opening ceremony of the 18th international festival of arts Slavonic Bazaar in Vitebsk on 10 July, BelTA learnt from the press service of the Belarusian leader. “There are significant events in the world including the Olympic Games, international film festivals which have become the symbols of the highest achievements in sport and art. I believe that our festival Slavonic Bazaar has its worthy place in the ranks of these big events,” take its place According to the President, the Slavonic Bazaar has reached serious results. Around 200 people from Belarus, Russia and Ukraine took part in the 1st festival in Vitebsk. This year more than 5,500 guests from 30 countries of Europe, Asia and South America arrived in Vitebsk. “However, the main achievement is the overwhelming love of artistes and the audience,” the Head of State added. According to the President, one of the peculiar features of the festival is its aura which is changing the life of Vitebsk. The town becomes the real cultural capital of the Slavonic world, the President said. The Slavonic Bazaar upholds the original traditions which attract people like a magnet. It is the secret of the success of the Vitebsk forum and its special magic, the President is sure. According to the President, the Slavonic Bazaar in Vitebsk has combined the beauty of the ancient Slavonic culture and the rhythms and energy of the modern civilization. Alexander Lukashenko stressed that the freedom of art and support of art people have always been true priorities of the Vitebsk festival rather than commercial interest or PR. “The Slavonic Bazaar has always focused on discovering and supporting a true talent. It is very pleasing to hear our guests say that the Slavonic bazaar is a great stimulus for the development of national cultures of the neighboring and faraway countries whose representatives think it is an honour to perform on stage of the Summer Amphitheatre,” said Alexander Lukashenko. The head of state has awarded a special prize of the President of the Republic of Belarus "Through Art Towards Peace and Understanding" to People's Artist of Russia Valery Leontyev. Valery Leontyev thanked Alexander Lukashenko for the prize. The Slavonic Bazaar in Vitebsk has become a great tradition, and this tradition has become a true national holiday, he said. While in the box of the amphitheater, the President talked with Sergei Naryshkin, the head of the Administration of the President of the Russian Federation.

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