The annual festival is being held for the fifth time in honor of Fyodor Makhnov, who was 285 centimeters tall. Born 145 years ago in the village of Kostyuki near Vitebsk, Makhnov toured many countries around the world with his circus performances.

Until late in the evening, the agro-town of Novka near Vitebsk celebrated a grand and cheerful festival – a street art festival called “Volaty Prydsvinnya”. It was held for the fifth time in memory of the tallest person ever to have lived on Earth – Fyodor Makhnov. Initially, it had the status of a district festival, but for the second year now, the festival has been held on a regional scale.

The current epicenter of this real circus town is the local stadium. Hundreds of guests were attracted to this unusual street art forum; in addition to local residents and people from Vitebsk, guests came not only from all corners of the region but also from other regions of the country. There are also foreigners who, in this way, diversified their stay in the health resorts of the Vitebsk region.

For example, Irina and Mikhail Stukalov live in St. Petersburg and are currently vacationing with their seven-year-old daughter Arina at the Lettsy sanatorium.

– We gladly took the opportunity and did not regret it at all. Arishka is delighted – so many emotions! A real circThe session was held for her along with clowns, magicians, costumed characters, and dancers. Of course, she compared her height with the figure of Fyodor Makhnov in the Park of Giants and Miniatures, and we also learned a lot of interesting things. We got carried away by the theme. Next weekend, we plan to walk along the tourist route "Giant's Trail," – say the delighted spectators. – And now we will have fun and watch the artists' performances.

There was indeed something to see in Novka. A bright, spectacular show – a festive theatrical parade-procession in which dozens of artistic groups took part. Then – a big concert on the main stage. Craftsmen offered to get acquainted with exclusive products. Employees of the Ministry of Emergency Situations prepared their program. Hundreds of curious guests stormed the unique medieval village – it was set up by members of the historical and role-playing reconstruction club "Rostan" from Bolbasovo, Orsha district. It was also interesting to meet the relatives of Fyodor Makhnov himself – they came to the celebration not only from Vitebsk but also, for the first time, from Moscow. The festival ended late in the evening and undoubtedly left the most pleasant memories for everyone who took part in it. And it also charged everyone with creative energy for the future.

Not in vain

Vyacheslav Durnov, Deputy Chairman of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee, opening the fifth festival "Volaty Prydsvinnya", emphasized:

– We may not be as tall as Fyodor Makhnov, but we are very strong in character and skill. It is wonderful that the district festival has grown to the regional level. The number of its guests is increasing every year, so we are changing the locations to more spacious ones. And, I am sure, we have room to grow – to the republican level. Forty-five current ensembles are true masters of art. The jury will have to work hard to determine the best...

Source: vitebsk-region.gov.by