Slavianski Bazaar 2022 is a major song contest, which brought together representatives of over 30 countries. The 31st festival breaks records for the number of guests. There are no exact numbers yet, but it is already obvious that the festival was a success.
With all the political events in the world, the competition, in terms of the number of viewers, it eventually turned out the gainer. The tickets for the concerts replaced the visa for guests from 73 countries with absolutely open borders for the neighbors. Everybody needs positive emotions today.
Mutual understanding is the main thesis of the hosts. And it is absolutely mutual.
"Dear friends, it is a pleasure to be in this hall. I am not a young politician, I feel this aura, this openness, sincerity. You can't fool me in that respect, you're real. Thank you," the head of state said. "These applause resound the centuries-long history of unique Slavonic culture, which has enriched the world with its unique spirituality, depth and beauty. And of course, in this festive, creative atmosphere the last thing you want to talk about is politics. We could not even imagine that our friendly Yugoslavia would disappear from the political map, and that the post-Soviet space would be plunged into a series of armed conflicts. And NATO, the military bloc, would expand eastward, scattering Slavs on different sides of the barricades."
The President reminded that the most crushing blow was made eight years ago right into the heart of the Slavic world - the Belarusian-Russian-Ukrainian brotherhood. "We lost Ukraine long before the special operation began. It was back when its politicians themselves abandoned their Slavic identity. But no matter what happens, the Ukrainian language was heard at "Slavianski Bazaar". And it will be heard, today as well. Moreover: it will always be welcome here!"
Ukraine, the brotherly Ukrainian people will come back to their family, and we have to do our best to keep this festival alive, so that people from different corners of the earth came here," said Alexander Lukashenko.
"And let no one doubt: our Slavic soul will endure everything, suffer once again, and the ideas of good, peace and justice will triumph again. No matter how the West tries to separate us with an iron curtain, we keep getting visitors from Europe and other continents," said the head of state.
He noted that tickets to the concerts of Vitebsk festival are sold and hotels are crowded. "Today, as always, there are true friends here with the Belarusians, who share our position and views on life. Believe me, Belarus cherishes it very much! - said the Belarusian leader. - I declare another "Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk" open!"
