Kupala Night Festival (Alexandria Gathers Friends)

The head of state noted that the major theme of the festival is friendship between peoples. It was designed as an event that brings neighborly nations together. “Ancestors of these people also came together to have a beautiful celebration of the Kupala Night on the banks of the Dnieper River, a powerful river that links and nourishes the lands of Belarus, Russia and Ukraine. The ties between our people based on many centuries of common history, customs and traditions will always be above any political interests and ambitions,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.

In his words, these ties were shaped by difficult and glorious times, enriched by common cultural events and strengthened by family unions. “It made us strong in our spiritual unity,” the head of state said.

The President noted that Slavonic bonds were put to the test for centuries. “Whenever politicians and statesmen broke these bonds, people restored them and found a way to each other obeying the voice of their heart and blood,” the head of state noted.

“The people Alexandria welcomes today are not just representatives of the brotherly nations, they are our kindred. We are happy to celebrate this festive night together. I am convinced that the Kupala Night lights lit these days will become a symbol for veneration of national traditions, our unity, solidarity and continuity of generations. They will call Belarusians to their native land, remind of their family, warm up their hearts with pleasant memories,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.

Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko said that homecoming makes him thrilled, happy and proud. “It is with great thrill, joy and pride that I visit my native land. This land will always be special for me, just as important and dear as any other pocket of Belarus - an amazing, beautiful country with kind-hearted, hard-working, hospitable and patient people,” Aleksandr Lukashenko underlined.

The President noted that Alexandria that gathered friends from various countries amazes with its flamboyant colors.

“It is on this day and this night that we feel sacred bonds with our native land, ancestors and each other. It urges us to break away from hustle and bustle of urban life and come closer to nature, its beauty and invigorating power, to get satiated with the energy of the sun and rain, to breathe in the fragrance of grasses and forests, to enjoy the cool of rivers and lakes,” the head of state said.

This is the essence of the Kupala Night tradition that has been celebrated for many centuries already. This fest invites us to slow down and get back to basics.

“No matter where the road of life has taken you and how many twists and turns it had, we vitally need to go back to our roots - to the places where landscapes revive childhood memories, where our family tree goes deep into the ground. We should stick to this little world where our road to the big life began. This world is our fern flower. It gives us strength, footing and happiness. It is our talisman,” the Belarusian leader is convinced.