Every country is strong due to its traditions, and Belarus has a long-standing, very good tradition of congratulating children on the New Year holidays, including within the framework of the "Our Children" campaign. This was stated by the Head of State, Alexander Lukashenko, at the Palace of the Republic while participating in a charity event, a BELTA correspondent reports.
"A country is always strong due to its traditions. If there are traditions, then there is a country. It means this country has a certain peculiarity," the President emphasized. It is the presence of such traditions that distinguishes Belarus from other countries of the world, Alexander Lukashenko noted.
"A very good tradition was born here a long time ago – to greet you, children, adults, your teachers, educators, parents – everyone who has young children and is involved in raising children, during these pre-New Year holidays. It is a good tradition to congratulate our children, to visit children. Especially those who are in great need of it. Although there are no children in the country, there are no children in the world who would not need attention and gifts," the Head of State continued.
In this regard, the President expressed special gratitude to everyone who contributes to making this charity event for children possible every year. "I want to thank our adults," said Alexander Lukashenko. "Thank you for the attention you pay to our children during these pre-New Year holidays."
The Head of State particularly noted the joyful atmosphere in the hall: "You can hear from a kilometre away from the Palace of the Republic that you are having fun here." The good mood, according to him, is also due to the fact that children in the country are now having a "double" holiday: on the one hand, everyone is seeing off the outgoing year and awaiting the arrival of the new one, 2026, and on the other hand, students have finally reached a pleasant time, free from studies – the holidays. "Therefore, it's a double holiday. New Year and holidays," the President said.
"And Ded Moroz and Snegurochka have already pleased us – snow, frost. They promise that it will be even colder, and we will truly be able to celebrate the New Year this year, perhaps more than ever. Snow and frost at this time create a good mood. I see that you have this," the Head of State remarked.
The central event of the "Our Children" campaign is the main Christmas tree of the country – a charity New Year's celebration with the participation of the President and a New Year's performance at the Palace of the Republic. This year, a vibrant performance "The Magic of the New Year" with fairy-tale characters and the main attributes of winter holidays has been prepared for the children.
Approximately 2.4 thousand children from all regions of Belarus have been invited to the main Christmas tree of the country at the Palace of the Republic. Students of cadet schools and specialized lyceums, winners of various olympiads, creative competitions and contests, students who have achieved success in public work, orphans, children from large families and refugee families, and children affected by the consequences of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant disaster have received the opportunity to see the vibrant New Year's performance.