Events
Lukashenko explores authentic traditions, crafts at Call of Polesie festival
LYASKOVICHI, 15 August (BelTA) – Following the opening ceremony of the Call of Polesie festival in Lyaskovichi on 15 August, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko toured local artisan homesteads, where he explored the region’s unique craft traditions and folk art, BelTA has learned.
Aleksandr Lukashenko toured the hunter’s and fisherman’s house, which displays traditional hunting and fishing tools along with wild animal taxidermy. “If the Poleshuks lived in a traditional house like this, they wouldn’t ever need to leave. It's a perfect home,” he said.
Artisans from Brest Oblast and Gomel Oblast set up nearby, showcasing the creation of a traditional dugout canoe to the head of state. This craft in Zhitkovichi District has been officially recognized as a historical and cultural value and part of Belarus’ intangible heritage since 2022. The village of Pererov serves as the hub for preserving the tradition, where local masters carve these traditional boats from solid oak.
“You have done a great job keeping these traditions alive. This is vital,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said. “So much has been accomplished for the Poleshuks. The main thing now is to protect the country. You represent our stronghold here, we cannot succeed without you.”
The president pointed out that the Poleshuks themselves originally initiated the Call of Polesie festival by making a formal request. The proposal was supported, adding another vibrant event to Belarus’ calendar. “How could we suppress a grassroots initiative? I thought, let it happen [another festival]. Today, I have no regrets: it has become yet another gathering point for the people,” the Belarusian leader said.
The House of National Cuisine was the next stop during the president’s tour of the artisan courtyards, showcasing the region’s rich culinary heritage. The venue offers insights into traditional Polesian dishes, beverages, cooking techniques, and their cultural significance. Aleksandr Lukashenko sampled and praised the local delicacies.
At the House of Crafts, the president explored the secrets of coopers, who have traditionally crafted wooden barrels, tubs, and other everyday household items for the Poleshuks. The exhibition also featured blacksmithing alongside traditional crafts such as straw weaving, tapestry weaving, and bast shoe braiding.
To wrap up the event, the head of state received a traditional karavai on behalf of all Polesian districts. Gomel Oblast governor also gifted another karavai to the president to celebrate the region hitting the 1-million-tonne harvest mark. “Take this masterpiece to the Palace of Independence,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.
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