Lukashenko: The "Alexandria Gathers Friends" festival has transformed from a small celebration into an event of international scale

The "Alexandria Brings Friends Together" festival has transformed from a small, cozy celebration into an event of international scale. This was stated by the President of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko, at the republican holiday "Kupalle" ("Alexandria Brings Friends Together"), as reported by a BELTA correspondent.

The head of state noted that July has become a kind of Slavic cultural month: during these days, "Kupalle" is celebrated in Alexandria, and in a week's time, the "Slavic Bazaar in Vitebsk" will take place.

"Everywhere the topic is about Slavic identity. Although today both "Alexandria" and our festival in Vitebsk have long ceased to be purely Slavic. More than ten countries have come here. Over 30 states from around the world will attend the "Slavic Bazaar". This confirms my thesis that it is no longer just a Slavic bazaar. But still, everything started from here," said the President.

Alexander Lukashenko noted that contemporary generations perceive the Dnieper as an ordinary river, but in ancient times it was a real waterway. "This is the route along which, as many historians say, our ancestors moved from the south. Here they saw their lives as freer. There, they were probably well oppressed. And so from there, from near Kyiv, from the Danube, as many specialists say, our ancestors moved northwards. Therefore, the Dnieper River is a special river. And it is good that our generation has revived this wonderful tradition of gathering on the banks of the ancient Dnieper during these Kupalle days, reminding not only of the Dnieper," emphasized the head of state.

"And so, for 15 years now, we have been gathering in this picturesque corner of Belarus to momentarily feel the connection of times. During such a short period, we have created a festival that, as I have already said, has transformed from a small, cozy celebration into an event of national and international scale. Nevertheless, it has not lost its name of a cozy celebration. There is truly a special atmosphere here, but we have also preserved coziness," Alexander Lukashenko stated.

The President noted that the festival has become a magnet for creative people and true admirers of distinctive Slavic culture from all over Belarus and other countries.

"We did not plan such a scale long ago. But people themselves have been drawn here. This is a call of the soul. This is a striving for true values, to where guests are genuinely welcomed, where the pulse of vibrant creative life beats," the Belarusian leader stated.

The main event of the "Alexandria Brings Friends Together" holiday was the evening gala concert "Only Here Are Such Stars." The plot of the concert was based on the idea of a peaceful Belarusian sky, where stars and constellations can always be seen. The storyline is revealed through humorous stories about the stay of modern youth in the village, their acquaintance with the locals, as well as folk customs and village life.

The concert program also reflects the themes of the Year of Quality, space exploration, and the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Belarus from German-fascist invaders. Special attention has been given to the 30th anniversary of the institution of the presidency in Belarus.

The gala concert is a high-tech musical show featuring well-known, beloved songs and specially created premieres. The scenographic design is based on the landscape features of the venue – hills and small wooded areas. Behind the screens are multi-level stage platforms with screens for displaying performers.

By tradition, the concert concludes with a festive fireworks display and the lighting of a Kupala bonfire.

Source: belta.by