Аddress to the guests and participants of the 24th international festival of arts Slavonic Bazaar in Vitebsk

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Dear participants and guests of the festival,

Dear friends,

I would like to extend my best greetings to you on the occasion of the opening of the 24th international festival of arts Slavonic Bazaar in Vitebsk. For almost a fourth of a century this festival has been bringing together artists and their fans in our cultural capital.

The festival is held under a wonderful motto “Through art to peace and understanding”. It is very relevant these days. Today Belarus is by right considered one of the platforms for peaceful initiatives, a conduit of ideas of good neighborliness and cooperation.

This pertains to both foreign policy and the spiritual dimension. Art unites people disregarding borders and is an efficient form of people’s diplomacy.

There are not so many festivals in the world which could boast such a long and happy life as our festival in the city upon the Dnieper. Even the most large-scale music projects had to deal with the periods of decline and oblivion. The Slavonic Bazaar, in turn, has been increasingly popular and has turned into an event of global importance.

Just think: only eight countries took part in the Slavonic Bazaar in 1992. This year the forum has drawn together representatives of more than 40 states of Europe, Asia, North and South America. This is a record high number of participants in the history of the festival. The title Slavonic Bazaar is now understood without translation in any place on Earth.

It is not accidental that Vitebsk will also host the session of the World Association of Festivals these days. It will give the city a new status – the leader of the global festival movement.

Connecting space and time, the Slavonic Bazaar helps preserve the cultural identity of various nations. The festival loves genuine talents and discovers new names every year. A pleiad of famous artists has debuted on the stage of our Summer Amphitheater over the past two decades.

Thanks to the wonderful song contest, the ancient Vitebsk has become the place where new stars are lit, where young talents get wings for their creative flight. In the year 2015 which has been announced the Year of Youth in Belarus it is especially important to support young people, provide them with opportunities for self-fulfillment!

Dear friends,

I cordially congratulate you on the opening of the festival. I wish all contestants success, and all other artists full house and appreciation of the public. I wish interesting meetings with favorite singers and good mood to viewers.

I wish you health and happiness, dear friends.

Vivat Slavonic Bazaar!