Opinions & Interviews
Lukashenko: A country is always strong through traditions
MINSK, 29 December (BelTA) - Every country draws strength from its traditions, and in Belarus, one long-standing, excellent tradition is to congratulate children on the New Year holidays, including as part of the Our Children campaign, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko said at a New Year’s charity event held at the Palace of the Republic, BelTA has learned.
“A country is always strong through traditions. If there are traditions, it means there is a country. It means this country has a certain special quality,” the president stressed. It is precisely the existence of such traditions that distinguishes Belarus from other countries, Aleksandr Lukashenko pointed out.
“A very good tradition was born here long ago, which is to greet you, little ones, adults, your teachers, caregivers, parents -everyone who has small children and everyone involved in raising children during these Christmas and New Year holidays. It is a good tradition to congratulate our children, to meet with our children. Especially those who are in very, very great need. Although there are no children in our country, or in the world, who do not need attention and gifts.”
In this regard, the president expressed special gratitude to everyone who contributes each year to making this charity event for children possible. “I want to thank our adults,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said. “Thank you for the attention you give to our children during these New Year holidays.”
The head of state specifically noted the joyful atmosphere in the hall: "One can hear from a kilometer away from the Palace of the Republic that you are having fun here.” The good mood, he said, is also explained by the fact that children in the country are currently enjoying a “double” holiday: on one hand, everyone is seeing off the old year and awaiting the arrival of the new one, 2026, and on the other, students have finally reached the pleasant, school-free time of winter break. “Therefore, it’s a double holiday: New Year and school holidays,” the president said.
“Father Frost and Snow Maiden have already pleased us with snow and a bit of frost. They promise it will get even frostier, and we will probably be able to celebrate the New Year this year, truly, like never before. Snow and frost at this time mean good cheer. I see that you have plenty of that,” remarked the head of state.
The central event of the Our Children campaign is the National Christmas Tree celebration - a New Year’s charity event attended by the president and featuring a festive performance at the Palace of the Republic. This year, children have been treated to the vibrant show The New Year Magic, filled with fairy-tale characters and classic symbols of the winter holidays.
Approximately 2,400 children from all regions of Belarus have been invited to the National Christmas Tree event at the Palace of the Republic. The chance to see the bright New Year’s performance has been extended to students from cadet schools and lyceums, winners of various olympiads, creative contests, and competitions, students active in community work, orphans, children from large families and refugee families, and children affected by the consequences of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster.
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