Press releases

12 Jun 2020

UNESCO to grant patronage to Kupala Night festival in Belarus this year

An archive photo

MOGILEV, 12 June (BelTA) - The Kupala night festival “Alexandria Gathers Friends” in Shklov District will be held this year under the patronage of UNESCO, BelTA learned from the Mogilev Oblast Executive Committee.

“The international organization has made such a proposal. The Belarusian Culture Ministry has supported the idea,” the Mogilev Oblast Executive Committee noted.

Patronage is the highest form of moral support on the part of UNESCO, for which the organization is neither financial or legally responsible. Patronage is only available for a certain period of time for events that are held once or regularly.

UNESCO grants patronage to a variety of activities: the production of films and other audiovisual products, publications, awards, congresses, meetings and conferences and events that are held at the national and international levels.

This year, the festival in Alexandria, all regions of Belarus and the city of Minsk will present their exhibition-themed pavilions where guests will be able to enjoy signature festivals, creative competitions and plein airs, other events that reflect the unique features of the country’s every region. The historical and cultural values, traditional crafts and dishes of every region will be presented.

This year, the event will feature a festival of folk costume as part of the Alexandria Kirmash. Each region will display its traditional costume and tell the story of its origins and traditions,” the oblast executive committee said.

The Kupala Night celebrations will include various quizzes, contests and lotteries. There will be themed and photo zones available. The program will also feature theatrical performances, amateur and professional bands and singers. Centers of folk crafts will showcase the works of the best craftsmen of Belarus.

The Corridor of Epochs exhibition will tell the visitors about the life in the mid-19th, late 20th and 21st centuries. Visitors will also have a chance to take part in interactive workshops such as wood sawing, basket weaving, and many others. The program will include an exhibition of the latest scientific and breeding achievements of higher educational institutions, entertainment sites, exhibitions and sales of various decorative, applied and technical art products, goods of domestic production, and confectionery.

Kupala Night festival is due to take place in the agro-town of Alexandria on 11-12 July.