It has become a good tradition on Lepel land to gather in January at the district House of Culture for the annual inter-school festival "Bethlehem Star".

And it is dedicated to the important and joyous Christian holiday – the Nativity of Christ.

The opening of the event featured a welcoming address by the Chairman of the District Council of Deputies, Igor Urban: "The good traditions of the Christmas days are passed down from generation to generation, filling hearts with hope and faith, love and mercy, making us strong in the face of any trials, strengthening our belief in our own capabilities, helping us overcome difficulties, and giving us confidence in the future."

The attendees were also addressed by the Dean of the Lepel District, Archpriest Sergey Leshkevich, who in his speech reminded of the need for spiritual strengthening and turning to God in our time.

Throughout the event, young performers from educational institutions of the Lepel region and pupils of Sunday schools told the story of the divine infant Jesus appearing in the world through songs, poems, and dances.