"Magdeburg Vitebsk" to mark 420th anniversary of the city's self-governance rights being granted

The "Magdeburgskoye Vitebsk" project will mark the 420th anniversary of the city being granted the right to self-governance, Vladimir Bulavsky, the project coordinator, told a BELTA correspondent.

A series of events is planned to commemorate this significant date, starting on March 17. "We will present the project at the City Hall, a symbol of Magdeburg Law. During the meeting, I will familiarize those present with the plans of our initiative. This includes at least 9 different events, ranging from a children's drawing competition to the development of a project for the installation of a commemorative sign and the establishment of an annual award. Guests at the presentation will also see for the first time exhibited copies of the 'Privilege of 1597' and the 'Map of Vitebsk 1664' from the collections of the Vitebsk Regional Museum of Local Lore," noted Vladimir Bulavsky.

The "Magdeburgskoye Vitebsk" project began in 2016 when, on the initiative of the institution "Vitebsk for me" (Vitebsk4me) and the folk club of historical reconstruction "Wargenthorn," a series of events was organised for the 419th anniversary of Vitebsk being granted medieval self-governance rights. Open lectures and free excursions, the presentation of the inter-club project "Vitebskaya Kharugva," and a medieval disco by the band "Stary Olsa" all attracted wide public attention, prompting the organisers to continue. "We aim to broaden local residents' knowledge of the significance of this event, popularise the city's historical and cultural heritage, and implement initiatives in the sphere of urban culture and education," explained Vladimir Bulavsky.

The institution "Vitebsk for me" is organising the events, and the Vitebsk Regional Museum of Local Lore is also participating in the implementation of the first initiative.

King and Grand Duke Sigismund III Vasa granted Magdeburg Law to the city on the Dvina on March 17, 1597. Along with this, Vitebsk was given a coat of arms, a seal, and a banner, a city self-governance body – the magistrate – was established, and a City Hall was built. The acquisition of the right to self-governance contributed to the economic, social, political, and cultural strengthening and development of the city.