Participation in Kupalye celebrations (Alexandriya Gathers Friends)

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The secret behind Belarusians’ peacefulness is in the cherishing of the treasures of the past, Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko said at the festival Alexandriya Gathers Friends on 9 July.

“The respect to both the culture and artistic achievements of other peoples is a national feature of Belarusians. We cherish the treasures of the past and are deeply interested in the art of our neighbors. I think this is the secret behind peacefulness and mutual understanding of the Belarusian nation,” said Aleksandr Lukashenko.

The head of state emphasized that such an attitude to life is a reliable protection from ethnic and religious discord, as well as other destructive phenomena which, unfortunately, have been sweeping even the most civilized countries.

According to the President, this year’s festival Alexandriya Gathers Friends has welcomed a big number of participants. Over a relatively short period of time a modest meeting of compatriots on the bank of the Dnieper River has turned into a large-scale festival of folklife culture.

In a wonderful part of Mogilev Oblast the mighty Dnieper River has united craftsmen and folklife culture fans from Belarus, Russia and Ukraine. Alexandriya has become a venue for friendly meetings and people’s diplomacy.

“This year we have welcomed representatives of Lithuania that celebrates Jani Day in late June. I hope that this visit of Lithuanian guests will lay foundation for a new tradition, i.e. to invite representatives of other countries that celebrate Kupalye. This will become Belarus’ contribution to the preservation of artistic variety of the peoples on the planet, the strengthening of friendship between the nations. The popularity of the festival in Alexandriya has been gaining momentum every year. It is high time we set forth bigger goals,” said Aleksandr Lukashenko.

The Belarusian leader also stressed that the festival had acquired a special meaning in the Year of Culture. “It is the traditional culture that makes spiritual foundation of the nation. It has always been an ever-living source of inspiration and fruitful ideas, so important for today’s art. Alexandriya Gathers Friends is a truly people’s festival and provides an opportunity for hundreds of people to show their talents,” the President said.

The President noted that Kupalye in Alexandriya did not showcase everything that Belarus has. However, the most important things, including art and crafts, were present. “We should do our best to make this festival brighter every year,” the President concluded.

Aleksandr Lukashenko also added that he comes to Alexandriya every year. “Wherever I go, be it Russia, the United States, or China, it is always one road, which leads you home, to your native land,” the Belarusian leader concluded.