Such a memorable festival mood

PARTICIPANTS AND GUESTS OF THE JUBILEE XXX INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF ARTS "SLAVIANSKI BAzAAR" WERE WARMLY WELCOMED IN VITEBSK

By tradition, the President of Belarus took part in the opening ceremony of the XXX International Festival of Arts "Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk". Addressing a large audience, Alexander Lukashenko, in particular, stressed: — We, who are present here, first of all Belarusians, as before, from this cultural platform, call on countries and nations to build bridges, not walls. It is sacred to keep the Slavic fraternity, to strengthen friendship with all states of the world.

The President also said that when new Slavic and Eurasian states appeared on the map, when a new era began in the history of different peoples, people who were confused and cut off from each other needed hope more than ever to preserve spiritual and fraternal ties. This hope, in the opinion of the President of Belarus, was presented by the festival in Vitebsk. It gave everyone confidence in future, the foundation of which was laid by the Soviet traditions of interethnic peace. And for Belarusians, Alexander Lukashenko noted, the festival has become one of the symbols of an independent state: — A whole generation of our people grew up on it. It is not surprising that the festival has indurated in the land that can rightfully be considered the cradle of Belarusian originality. Vitebsk region, which gave us Chagall, Pen, Azgur, Bykov and Fradkin, has become a center of attraction for creative people in the 21st century. Today the festival in Vitebsk is the most authoritative international competition for professional vocality. Let me emphasize: a competition of professional skills, not show technologies, created only for the image and the desire to amuse someone's pride. It exists in the name of people, friendship and unity, because only in the unity of peoples is there a force that overcomes any obstacles.

By the way, a ticket to the festival allows citizens of 74 countries to visit our country without a visa.

Rukhiya from Kazakhstan became the winner of the pop song performers "Vitebsk-2021"

— Well, the friends of Belarus never needed an invitation. We are always glad to guests, we are glad in Belarusian, and we repeat for the hundredth time: come, look at our country — we have something to be proud of and something to pleasantly surprise you with! — the President noted in his speech.

Every year participants of the children's music competition take their first creative steps here. — This is the future of our countries, — stressed Alexander Lukashenko. — After all, in the end, all this happens in order to preserve the continuity of generations, to illuminate the path of creative youth — to show the best examples, but at the same time to give space for the implementation of new ideas and directions. And we believe that our youth will write many more bright pages in the life of the festival, and will worthily continue what we have begun. Let it be in a new format, even if in a language we do not understand, but with the same bright goal: "Through art — to peace and mutual understanding"!

Street art festival, exhibitions, performances, representations and fairs of folk craftsmen — all this, except for the main song contest, took place today at 30 different venues of the "Slavianski Bazaar". In a word, it exists and develops.

Meanwhile, they still take the competition and music programs very seriously and take a very responsible attitude to ensuring that the word "international" in the name of the forum is not nominal. And the numbers, of course, are impressive: over the years, artists from almost 80 (!) states have visited hospitable Vitebsk land. And this, the directorate of the festival is confident in, is not the limit.

In this year, for the first time, a representative of Ecuador came to the competition of pop song performers in Vitebsk. More precisely, the representative is a 23-year-old Ivanna Irene Barreiro Garcia, who appeared on stage under the pseudonym Vanna. In Vitebsk, laughs the artist, from the first minutes she felt at home: a real summer! In those days, the city really resembled a red-hot southern resort, such weather at the festival will not be remembered even by old-timers. — I came to Vitebsk with pleasure, although I knew practically nothing about Belarus. But now I will tell everyone how great it is here, musically, beautifully and comfortably. To be honest, I didn't even expect it. Friends, to whom I send photos and videos, now also want to go to Belarus. So soon I will become the ambassador of your country in Ecuador, — Ivanna smiles.

And the representative of Serbia Irina Arsenievich has not just heard about the festival. Several years ago, the girl took part in the children's competition "Vitebsk". Now she has returned, but already at the adult competition — and certainly for the Grand Prix. — People in Vitebsk are all the same hospitable, and the city, it seems to me, has become even more beautiful, — the singer shared her impressions. — "Slavianski Bazaar", by the way, is very popular in Balkan countries, many young performers dream of coming to Vitebsk.

The jury of the competition this year was headed by the People's Artist of Belarus, the leader of "Syabry" ensemble Anatoly Yarmolenko. He was accompanied by Italian singer and composer Michele Poma, People's Artist of Moldova Konstantin Moskovich, Ukrainian pop singer Taisia Povaliy, Russian singer Sergei Penkin, lead singer of the French group Ottawan Patrick Jean Baptiste and star from Kazakhstan Dimash Kudaibergen. Dimash admitted:

Irina Arsenievich took the first place at the contest

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Komnen Vukovic, the winner of the Grand Prix of the children's song contest "Vitebsk-2021"

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Anastasia (Georgia)

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Maria Laura (Italy)

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Konstantine Mazurkevich (Belarus)

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Elizabeth zakharieva (Bulgaria)

— "Slavianski Bazaar" is a platform where borders between countries are erased and all people begin to communicate in one language — the language of music.

It is not for nothing that during the round table "Slavianski Bazaar" — 30 years. Achievements and Prospects" the Minister of Information Vladimir Pertsov said that the international festival has become a standard creative platform for artists and spectators from many countries. — During this time, so many festivals and events have appeared and disappeared! And many of them cannot be compared with the arts forum, which takes place in Vitebsk and is in demand with the artists who participate therein with pleasure. There is even some kind of competition and rivalry: who got to the festival, who didn't, how they performed.

There also was the Union State Day at the festival. In addition to a large concert of masters of arts of Belarus and Russia in the Summer Amphitheater, the Art Museum hosted exhibitions "Golden Khokhloma — the soul of Russia" and "Torzhok gold embroidery", and a presentation of a project dedicated to the 125th anniversary of birthday of Sergei Yesenin. And this is only a part of the events that were expected by the festival audience on this day.

Yes, the current anniversary of "Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk" was special in many ways. Even traditional events this year were held in an unusual format. For example, the street art fest "On the Seven Winds". Usual performances have been replaced by street performances, and most of the events have acquired a mobile format. Hundreds of musicians, artists, actors, dancers, performers performing in different parts of the city created a truly carnival atmosphere in the festival Vitebsk. For lovers of active recreation, sports competitions and thematic excursions were provided. Guests were offered both entertaining trips around the city, including on a motor ship, and tour routes to iconic places of nearby districts and cities. Those who wished were ready to show the sights of Polotsk, Orsha, the museum-estate of Ilya Repin "Zdravnevo".

And yet the main place at "Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk" traditionally occupied musical projects. The most long-awaited events are the XXX International Pop Song Performers Contest "Vitebsk-2021" and the XIX International Children's Music Contest "Vitebsk-2021". In general, on festival days in Vitebsk it was impossible to get bored. As the organizers said, everyone could find a space to their liking here. The incredible atmosphere of the holiday can be felt through the screens of TVs and computers. Concert and competition programs were shown live on TV channels. Besides, this year the organizers of "Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk" agreed on broadcasting of the main events of the festival with the largest streaming service OK LIVE.

By the way, it is always the most noisy place near the main concert venue of the forum. Young people hunted for autographs of their favorite artists. It is not difficult to meet them here, especially when rehearsals are in progress, before or during a concert.

Some fans, having found out where their favorite artist lives, go straight there. For example, to the hotel "Eridan". I wonder if it is difficult for the staff to fulfill all the requirements of the stars?

— Although they are famous artists, they are very modest, pleasant people, not picky. The main requirement is a deluxe room. Like everyone else, they want to relax, to stay in silence. Like everyone else, they go out for a walk in the city, but, probably, so as to beccome less noticed, they put on sunglasses and kerchiefs. The hotel employees understand that people get tired of constant attention, so they try not to disturb them once again, — said the hotel administrator Elena Kosikova.

By the way, in the hotel it was also possible to buy exclusive handmade souvenirs in memory of the festival and Vitebsk, which artists and craftspeople usually sell only at "Slavianski Bazaar", but here they are available all year round.

However, Vitebsk festival was felt all these days not only at the main site of the forum — the Summer Amphitheater. The festive atmosphere filled all the streets and squares of the city. These days, here one can easily meet a pop star choosing souvenirs, try an exclusive dessert in a cafe, prepared specially for the festival, and take part in an unusual show. In short, pleasant emotions are guaranteed. One does not know where to look first due to a variety of designer clothes, various accessories. On Tolstoy Street, for example, it was impossible to pass by designer handbags and genuine leather jewelry created by Irina Danilova from Veliky Novgorod, who first came to "Slavianski Bazaar": — Before the pandemic, many events took place in our city, including international ones, but now there are none. I have been planning to visit the festival in Belarus for a long time: to see the products of other craftspeople and to show my works. When I make them, I want a woman to feel like a queen when she goes out. One can't put a sack of potatoes in my bags — one can only show off with them.

Popularization of folk traditions is a constant element of the festival. There is no need to talk about the abundance of paintings offered by the artists on the streets of the city: there are landscapes, and portraits, and still lifes for every taste. There are a lot of stylish things on the shelves for home or office decor. In one of the tents, the attention of passers-by was attracted by creative products made from ordinary, but, it seems, melted bottles: watches, trays. Grant Pogosov brought them from Samara, which is 1,500 kilometers away. He works according to the ecological program "Clean up the Planet of Bottles" and was also for the first time in Vitebsk at the invitation of the organizers of the festival.

And if someone got tired of wandering, there was always the opportunity to sit down and listen to street musicians – students of music schools, colleges, sometimes professionals. Here and there there were live sculptures, performances of dance studios. Closer to the amphitheater, colorful old women, not missing the moment, offer flowers: in case you are going to a concert, but you have forgotten about the bouquet for the artist. But it was they, the beloved artists, who first of all gave the audience a good mood on these July days. Everyone whom could not leave indifferent the jubilee, XXX International Festival of Arts "Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk".

Vladislav Eremeev

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Anatoly Yarmolenko

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Natalia Gordienko

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Dimash Kudaibergen

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To Share Joy, kindneSS and peaCe

The oldest main folk Kupala Night (or Kupalle) festival in Alexandria on the picturesque bank of the Dnieper in Shklov district began its history as a large-scale festival in 2010. And already in 2012, the holiday acquired an international status, became one of the centers of attraction for numerous tourists. The popularity of the festival is growing every year – the number of participants and guests of the festival is increasing, their geography is expanding. This year, more than 66 thousand people became guests of the holiday.

By tradition, this time the President also came to Kupala Night ("Alexandria Gathers Friends"). Speaking to 3,000 audience, which filled the open-air hall in anticipation of the Gala concert "Songs of my Land", he said: "Today we have gathered here again, in one of the most picturesque corners of Belarus. Gathered together to preserve the mood of the ancient folk holiday, which has always been our national treasure... On the Night of Ivan Kupala, wherever we live – in a small village or in a big city, we strive to the place where Kupala fires burn, rivers and lakes are decorated with wreaths of meadow grasses and flowers, favorite melodies and songs sound. We strive there – to our origins. To where it began. Because an inexplicable desire wakes up in everyone's heart to get closer to nature: to breathe in the smell of the forest, warm up by the fire and see the most important thing – the clear Night sky."

According to him, it is important that this holiday in Alexandria gives not only the joy of meeting with relatives, loved ones and friends, but for a moment returns to the very depths of centuries, allows us to touch ancient knowledge, the experience of all generations and humanity in general, reminds people of the fact that they are children of their native land, which from ancient times belonged to the mighty tribes of the Eastern Slavs. Alexander Lukashenko's speech was notable for its sincerity and sublimity: "Traditions that these glorious, wise and strong people left us a thousand years ago have actually become a part of our culture, formed the basis of the modern way of life. They include everything that today unites us, Belarusians, as a people. This is a sacred knowledge about natural elements, medicinal herbs and amulets. Knowledge that teaches us to love nature, appreciate its gifts and preserve beauty.This is the connection of pagan rituals and Christian symbols, which became the basis of latitude in religion and tolerance.These are the sources of our devotion to traditional values, the main of which are family, children, respect for older generations. That's where our character, our habits and our traditions come from – from there, from the millennium." Alexander Lukashenko also noted that the striving of Belarusians for independence is explained by the rebelliousness and love to freedom of their ancestors. "We know that the striving of Belarusians for independence is explained by the rebelliousness and love to freedom of our ancestors, who were never slaves

or slave owners. And never in history they were aggressors, but they always tried to preserve peace and harmony with their closest neighbors. Therefore, the unity of the people of Belarus in its ethnic, cultural and confessional diversity is steady." "Today we are trying to follow these traditions. Herefrom is our entire policy. We do not claim foreign lands. We do not want to annoy our neighbors and distant peoples. We want to live in peace and harmony with everyone," – he stressed. And he once again drew attention to the thesis: Belarusians have never been slaves or slave owners. "That is why today we cannot afford to be thought of us that we have become slaves. Moreover, we cannot afford to be these slaves. We are the people. The people who for the first time in hundreds of years built their independent and sovereign state, which always differs from others in its character, morals and traditions. We are Belarusians, who have all the national traits as the people. They come from there – from the depths. It was not me who invented them," – the President said. Alexander Lukashenko noted that the republican holiday is called "Alexandria Gathers Friends" for a reason: "This is also an age-old tradition – to share joy with those who come to our house to share peace and goodness. And we, Belarusians, are always ready to accept everyone into our big family, who are close to our values and way of life, our historical memory."

He noted that representatives of different countries performed at the festival, and all these years they gave the participants and guests of "Kupala Night" a piece of their culture. "The history of Kupala Night in Alexandria has not been interrupted, despite the pandemic and external political differences. It will always be so. This year was not an exception. Because we are the keepers of this tradition, the people who choose their fate and life path with our hearts." Alexander Lukashenko sincerely thanked everyone who creates this holiday, as well as artists, musicians who decorate this evening with their talent and creativity. "I would like to thank the golden hands of the craftsmen who, despite this African heat, came here to show us their work." Also, concluding his speech, Alexander Lukashenko wished all those present: "Let the atmosphere of love, friendship and harmony prevailing here give all of us, like a magical fern flower, faith in our own strengths, inspire us to new achievements in the name of a peaceful and prosperous future of our native Belarus."

Despite the fact that the most important events of Kupala Night – throwing wreaths into the water and search for a fern flower began closer to midNight – Alexandria started celebration in the morning. The entire agro-town is a big fair, always with a concert (this year also with a theater) – where artists and craftsmen from at least three countries – Belarus, Russia and Ukraine – have arrived. Thousands of guests: regulars, tourists and VIPs. The holiday in Alexandria is such an attractive and understandable in any language tradition of the new Belarus and without political overtones.

More than a kilometer of retail space, craftsmen from all over the country and more, a lot of music and interactive platforms for guests of different ages – from the very morning the agro-town Alexandria in Shklov district plunged into the atmosphere of a great holiday.

The main theme of the holiday is a towel as a symbol of national unity. Craftswomen of Mogilev region presented almost 200 towels – all of them are woven or embroidered by hand. Let us remind the reader: a towel is a unique thing in Belarusian culture. On three rows, streets representing Minsk and the region, there were expositions with a presentation of old and reconstructed towels. During the day, there were quizzes, contests, theatrical performances with

"Today we are trying to follow these traditions. Herefrom is our entire policy. We do not claim foreign lands. We do not want to annoy our neighbors and distant peoples. We want to live in peace and harmony with everyone."

Alexander Lukashenko

The main theme of the holiday was a towel as a symbol of national unity

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the participation of creative groups, performances of amateur groups. And all guests of the holiday had the opportunity to get acquainted with the art of weaving and the unique cultural heritage – weavers on authentic looms of the 18th-19th centuries held master classes on making towels with patterns and embroidery. Also, the audience saw the work of the craftswomen of Senno district – a towel-amulet, the ornament of which formed the basis of the state symbols of our country. The organizers also surprised the audience with an authentic Kupala towel, which comes from Chausy land. Its age is over 150 years old. And also, interestingly, during the creative presentation of the towels, two looms were installed on the site near the stage. Belarusian craftswomen weaved a real towel of national unity in real time. Alexandria is a real celebration of the unity of peoples. Tatiyana Kovaleva, a weaver from Khotimsk district, shared this opinion during the work of the thematic farmsteads.

Traditionally, guests of the festival were greeted by an exhibition of machines from Minsk Tractor Works. This time, there are 9 exhibits here – agricultural machines created with the latest technology.

Not far from the machines exhibition, a small festival area was located – from 11 a.m. until the Night there were a variety of concert performances. The premiere of musical "Wreath on the water" and the display of linen collections from enterprises of "Bellegprom" concern took place here.

In "Belpost" tent, everyone could send a thematic postcard to anywhere in our country right from the holiday – the unique service was free.

Markets on Kupala field occupied about 1.4 km. They housed food and drink venues, thematic installations and even performances from the country's leading enterprises. This year, the guests of Kupala Night could purchase at promotion prices delicious food, confectionery and bakery products – everyone could find something here to their liking.

Markets of folk craftsmen traditionally became a bright spot on the festive map – the assortment of the presented products dazzled the eyes. There were jewelry, handmade clothes, household items and products of arts and crafts. More than 800 craftsmen took part in the fair. This year, craftsmen came to Alexandria even from Kamchatka. Craftsmen from Dagestan, Chernigov and Ivano-Frankovsk regions of Ukraine presented their works. Besides, they showed their traditional towels at the festival. "Today, four representatives of Kamchatka peoples gathered in Alexandria. And everyone brought their traditional products: jewelry made of animal bones, including bracelets from fish spines, fur products, traditional costumes of the peoples of the north, products made of fish skin. The peculiarity of our products – they are made of natural materials. Our region is very clean, we do not have large factories. Therefore, the ecology has been preserved practically in its original form. We brought tea from traditional herbs with us, – said the representative of Kamchatka delegation, Andrey Adukanov. – We first came to Belarus for a holiday in Alexandria. It took a long time to get there, of course. Buses, snowmobiles, dog sleds, trains – we have changed many transport modes. The holiday had just begun, but people were actively approaching to look, ask, learn something. We got acquainted with the work of our colleagues – Belarusians have a very interesting and multifaceted culture. We even bought ourselves something as a keepsake. It's great that there are such holidays that we have the opportunity to show our culture and get acquainted with the traditions of Belarusians and Ukrainians."

Another representative of the delegation from Kamchatka, Lidia Kruchinina, said that she had already managed to buy herself several Belarusian souvenirs. "We collect personal museum from items from places we visit. It's great that there is such a holiday on the Belarusian land. It really unites people. Even if we have such dissimilar cultures, we still remain fraternal peoples. Very friendly atmosphere, good mood. I am sure that the holiday will be successful."

The culture of Dagestan was also presented in Alexandria – here one could see hand-made carpets, wood products in a unique technique – Untsukul ornamental notch on wood. Works in this technique were brought by the third-generation master Magomedali Magomedaliev from Dagestan. "This is the third time we participate in holiday in Alexandria. During this time, we got fans here. Untsukul ornamental woodcut is a complex kind of applied art. I travel a lot around the world, but I have never seen such works anywhere, – said the master – I really like the festival. Every year it gets better and better. This is a great opportunity to communicate with old friends, meet new ones. This year after Kupala Night we will go to Vitebsk for the first time to Slavianski Bazaar. Such holidays are a great opportunity to learn more about another culture."

A varied and rich program was prepared for guests of the youth platform. Mastering modern technologies for control of robots, trying oneself as bloggers, trying on a soldier's uniform of the First and Second World Wars – all this was here.

For lovers of literature, Belarusian writers of the older and younger generations presented author's novelties.

A lot of entertainment was also prepared for the youngest guests of the republican holiday. Traditionally it was the "Circus Fest". New venues included a show and a

Kupala Night – a festive mood everywhere

performance from Mogilev Regional Puppet Theater. "We are all looking forward to Kupala Night in our agro-town. It seems that it has been held in the same place for several years now, but there is always a lot of something new and interesting. Both children and adults like the atmosphere of the holiday. Many guests come to us. – Relatives and acquaintances. They're coming from Minsk and Minsk region, Grodno, Brest – everyone wants to see the holiday. Some even take time off or specifically take a leave for this time. Because the holiday remains relevant, – said Lyana Sakovich, a resident of Alexandria. – It is very difficult to name any one site that I like the most. Various markets, where one can find products from all over the republic, are also pleasing. There are always many positive impressions after the gala concert. There are many interactive activities for young people, playgrounds for children. They also love Kupala Night very much and every year they look forward to it. This is a very important event in the life of our agro-town."

New creative forms and formats are presented annually at the celebration in Alexandria. This opinion was expressed to journalists by Deputy Prime Minister Igor Petrishenko after the opening ceremony. Here's what he said: "Every year the holiday in Alexandria presents new creative forms and formats. And this year was not an exception. The main theme of the holiday this time is a towel. This is a connecting beginning that came to us from the depths of the centuries, ancestors' energy, which is reflected in the culture of creation of these towels, is passed on to us, – said Igor Petrishenko. – Today we saw how rich our country is in talented folk craftsmen who not only carefully preserve these traditions, but also pass them on to their apprentices. They pass on to young people not only their experience, but also everything that mothers, grandmothers and great-grandmothers taught them. And I hope that this amazing Belarusian tradition will continue. After all, one cannot desist what belongs to the entire nation."

At Kupala Night in Alexandria, a spirit of interconnectedness and a united folk family reigns. State Secretary of the Union State Dmitry Mezentsev shared this opinion with journalists during the holiday. "We all love this holiday. There is a special spirit and atmosphere of a sense of interconnectedness, of a united folk family. I come here for the third time. And during this time, the orientation of people towards their small homeland has not changed. The Year of National Unity is special for Belarusians, – said Dmitry Mezentsev. – Such communication is very important for us – outside offices, papers and phone calls, when we look into each other's eyes, we understand the souls of Belarusians and Russians more." He also noted that the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin supports the Belarusian people. "Vladimir Putin is consistently providing support to Belarus. Today there are so many meaningful answers to the requests of the Belarusian leadership in matters of credit support, economic cooperation. I think the time when we will tell you how the work on the union programs is going (so far, they are called

roadmaps) is not far off. These are largescale and significant programs", – Dmitry Mezentsev noted. Well, in the evening, we repeat, an unusual gala concert was held for the guests and residents of Alexandria. The main feature of the concert: its repertoire was made at the request of residents of the agro-town Alexandria. The final show was based on the idea of spiritual unity. Friends gathered around the same table and discussed important human values: family, spirituality and love. All this was accompanied by bright creative numbers. The design of the stage was also unusual this year: it was rotating and this created a 3D A wide variety of craftsmen can be found at the festival effect. A rotating platform with a diameter of 9 m was installed in the center. LED screens played the role of decorations. Oleg Gazmanov, Seryoga, Konstantin Moskovich, Anatoly Yarmolenko, Vasily Rainchik, Anastasia Moskvina, Vladimir Gromov, Alexander Solodukha, Vladimir Provalinsky, Alena Lanskaya, Janet, Victoria Aleshko, Nadezhda Mikulich, Ruslan Alekhno appeared on the concert stage. The concert was attended by an orchestra of folk instruments named after L.L. Ivanov, Belarusian State Folk Music Ensemble "Svyata", State Academic Dance Ensemble, National Academic Folk Choir named after G.I. Tsitovich, "Pesnyary", art group "Belarusians", ensemble "Syabry", VIA "Verasy", group "Aura", show "Allure" and others. By the way, Alexander Lukashenko shook hands with the rapper and singer Seryoga (Sergei Parkhomenko). At the end of his speech, Serega himself asked to check the President's handshake for strength, so as not to trust other people's opinions on this matter. And he concluded that it is the strongest in Europe – eastern, central and western. And, by the way, he was very pleased with the words of Alexander Lukashenko: "Well done, we are waiting for new hits." The concert lasted over two hours. After that, the residents of Alexandria and guests could see a beautiful fireworks over the Dnieper. The final chord of the holiday was an incendiary open-air disco. Everybody danced.

Mikhalina Cherkashina. BelTA materials were used.