First at the opening of the 35th anniversary 'Slavyanski Bazaar' in Vitebsk

The Slavyanski Bazaar has always been more than a cultural event. It is like a mirror of our history — not only of sovereign Belarus, but of the entire world.

The festival's history has not been interrupted by crises or the pandemic. While the world was in lockdown, the Slavyanski Bazaar call signs sounded from Vitebsk. Vitebsk showed that true art has never had and will never have barriers.

Every guest and participant is a co-creator of the festival's history. These are our traditional friends, and friends forever.

In the hall are Belarusians, Poles, Russians, Ukrainians, and representatives of dozens of other countries who arrived visa-free. Your presence here is the unbreakable unity our world needs.

Belarus is a peaceful haven where you will always find a 'prytulak'. You will always find a platform to declare to the world that art is peace.

🇷🇺 In a greeting message, Russian President Vladimir Putin said the Slavyanski Bazaar has become a significant cultural event for the entire Eurasian space. "Its motto — 'Through Art to Peace and Mutual Understanding' — is especially relevant amid today’s complex international realities and undoubtedly resonates in the hearts of people from different countries," the message stated.

❗️For the first time in the festival's history, the special award 'Through Art to Peace and Mutual Understanding' was given to two individuals: Hero of Labour of the Russian Federation and People's Artist of Russia Alexander Zaцепin, who turned 100 this year, and Leonid Zaklevny, composer, People's Artist of Belarus, and author of the Slavyanski Bazaar anthem.

🏆 The Grand Prix of the children's music competition was awarded to Belarusian Elizaveta Tsuprik.