VITEBSK, 10 July (BelTA) - Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko attended a ceremony to open the 34th edition of the International Art Festival Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk on 10 July, BelTA Learned.
“Slavianski Bazaar has long transcended the boundaries of a regular festival. Today it is already an entire universe with a great interesting history, characters and atmosphere. And even with its own currency - cornflowers,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.
Vitebsk has seen many famous signers and true legends: Lyudmila Zykina, Alexander Pakhmutova, Iosif Kobzon, Michel Legrand, Mireille Mathieu and many, many others.
“From year to year, our star guests give Vitebsk audiences joy and beauty. They serve music and their fans, remaining faithful to the motto of the festival ‘Through art - to peace and understanding’. I'm sure this is how it will always be. Every year, the Vitebsk music contest will serve as a bridge into the future and open up new names to the world,” the president said.
One of them was announced during the opening ceremony: the head of state presented the main award of the 23rd International Children's Song Contest to Belarusian Amalia Sukhan. According to Aleksandr Lukashenko, the mission to congratulate the first winner of this year is one of the most pleasant for him.
“It is very symbolic that together with the youngest performers we honor the winner of the special award of the president of Belarus for the services to art,” the Belarusian leader said.
Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko presented the special award “Through Art to Peace and Understanding” to People’s Artist of Russia, composer Yuri Antonov.
“I wish you all, dear friends, peaceful sky (the main thing is peace and we will acquire everything else) and prosperity. Let me declare the 34th edition of the International Art Festival Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk open! Godspeed!” Aleksandr Lukashenko said. 
