Opinions & Interviews

VITEBSK, 11 July (BelTA) – The festival in Vitebsk preserves Slavonic traditions, Nadezhda Babkina said as her name graced the celebrity-filled pavement on the Alley of Laureates of the Special Prize of the Belarusian President “Through Art to Peace and Mutual Understanding” on 10 July, BelTA has learnt.

Taking part in the ceremony were Belarus’ Culture Minister Boris Svetlov, Director General of the Vitebsk Cultural Center, Director of the International Festival of Arts Slavonic Bazaar in Vitebsk Alexander Sidorenko, Vitebsk Mayor Viktor Nikolaikin, People’s Artist of Belarus Anatoly Yarmolenko.

Boris Svetlov noted that Nadezhda Babkina is a cultural ambassador who has done a lot to promote friendship and mutual understanding between Slavonic peoples.

Anatoly Yarmolenko emphasized that now since her star was unveiled on the alley, she will always be there, at the Slavonic Bazaar in Vitebsk festival.

Responding to the congratulations and cordial words, Nadezhda Babkina emphasized the important role of Slavonic Bazaar in uniting people. “Such events remind Slavonic nations that they were born on the same land and that their cultures have much in common on the genetic level. The Slavonic Bazaar celebrates cultural diversity and preserves national traditions of Slavonic peoples. The major idea of the festival is to unite and bring people together. The worst thing in the world is when you are left behind alone. Such large-scale festivals of the national and international scale give us an opportunity to get together,” the singer said.

Nadezhda Babkina noted that she has been taking part in the festival virtually since it was established. She added that after more than two decades the festival is still relevant and popular. “I would like to thank Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko for supporting the traditions of different peoples. These traditions are celebrated not only on stage of the Slavonic Bazaar, but also in other cities and districts of Belarus.” The singer wished prosperity to Belarus, a long life to the Slavonic Bazaar and peace to everyone.