The "Braslavskie Zarnitsy" festival took place in Braslav

For the 56th time, the lake district hosted numerous creative collectives at the traditional culture festival "Braslavskie Zarnitsy". Despite various circumstances, the event has maintained its international status.

The grand opening of the festival took place in the evening with the traditional retrieval of living fire, a parade of clubs, and various entertainment programmes.

In addition to numerous creative collectives, the festival was attended by distinguished guests: Vladimir Terentiev, Chairman of the Vitebsk Regional Council of Deputies; Valery Gramada, First Deputy Minister of Culture of Belarus; Petr Podgursky, Head of the Department of Culture of the Regional Executive Committee. Among the honourable guests were: Khalmurat Rashidov, representative of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Deputy Director of the Department of Humanitarian Cooperation, General Political and Social Problems of the CIS Executive Committee; Ilya Laput, Consul General of the Republic of Belarus in Daugavpils; Vladimir Matveev, member of the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly of the Republic of Belarus; delegations from the city of Jingzhou (PRC) led by Wan Jianping, Deputy Chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference; the Italian province of Randazzo led by Tindaro Scalisi, Chairman of the Municipal Council; and the Sartavala urban settlement of the Republic of Karelia, led by German Grishin, Head of Administration.

Numerous representatives of organisations and enterprises, as well as artistic collectives of hosts and guests, flowed like streams into the city centre. Here, a column was formed, heading towards the Lesnichovka forest park – the venue for mass celebrations. The festival was gaining momentum.

Vladimir Terentiev welcomed the participants. He reminded those present that the "Braslavskie Zarnitsy" festival is the oldest in the country and has become a unique brand not only for the district but for the entire region. He once again confirmed the well-known postulate: creativity unites, and in the Year of Peace and Creation, it acquires special meaning when the universally understood language of song and dance brings only kindness, mutual understanding, and smiles. These words were echoed in the "Creativity. Friendship. Unity" concert-greeting.

On Zamkovaya Hill, members of amateur historical reconstruction associations built a fortified camp. The "Mech Brachislava" festival, as part of "Braslavski Zarnitsy", is one of the most spectacular events demonstrating medieval life. Curious visitors can learn about birch bark weaving, blacksmithing, weaving on vertical looms, and fishing net making. A lecture on flint processing is also available.
Warriors begin their training battles to make them more impressive during the performance. Nearby, the musical group "Graf Chapski" rehearses. Those not involved in these activities engage in games.

Modern craft masters from Houses of Crafts demonstrate their professionalism on a separate site.

The first day of the festival concluded with a concert by Honoured Artist of Belarus, Alyaksandr Saladuha. The second day of the festival promises to be equally eventful and interesting.

Source: vitebsk-region.gov.by