Over the 20 years of its existence, "Slavianski Bazaar" has become a favorite festival in Belarus, its hallmark. The motto of the international forum calls on people to come to mutual understanding and peace through art. The cornflower, praised by the Slavs, was chosen as the logo of the festival; its connection with music is shown by the staff.
The first "Slavianski Bazaar" took place in 1992 in Vitebsk, already then it gathered more than a thousand participants and guests from different countries. Its organizers and initiators were Belarus, Russia and Ukraine. The main goal of the festival is to acquaint its guests with the art of songwriting of the Slavic peoples.
The following year, "Slavianski Bazaar" was admitted to the FIDOF (International Federation of Festival Organizers). The geography of the participants gradually expanded, in 1993 musicians from Bulgaria, Yugoslavia, Lithuania, Turkey, Slovakia, and Kyrgyzstan also performed.
Alexander Lukashenko, the President of Belarus, has personally supervised the "Slavianski Bazaar" since 1995. Then he was awarded the status of the International Festival of Arts. The next year made the "Slavianski Bazaar" accessible to all inhabitants of the planet, as it was broadcast from the satellite.
The festival's record was registered in 2000 - it brought together representatives of all Slavic peoples of the world on its stage. "Slavyansky Bazar" was twice recognized as "The Best Festival of the Year" for its mass character and good organization. The FIDOF Assembly was also held in Vitebsk, which meant recognition of the highest level of the gathering.
In 2009, the Slavianski Bazaar Laureate Alley was opened. The 20th anniversary festival of arts in Vitebsk was held in 2011. For twenty years of its existence, "Slavianski Bazaar" has received more than 55 thousand artists from 68 countries of the world. 316 concerts took place on the stage of the festival, and about three million spectators watched them!
The greatest interest among the guests of "Slavianski Bazaar" is aroused by the international competition of performers. It involves both eminent artists and young talents who hope to be noticed by the guests of the festival. There is always a fun children's music competition, where children from different countries compete.
At the "Slavianski Bazaar" spectators are presented with cinematographic and theatrical works of Slavic peoples. The festival program is full of interesting ideas, varied and will not leave anyone indifferent.
Vitebsk these days opens an open-air vernissage, where you will see the magnificent works of contemporary painters. Be sure to visit the City of Craftsmen to see the wonderful crafts of folk art.
Within the framework of the festival program, gala concerts of song masters of Belarus, Russia and Ukraine are held. Other interesting events await you: "Starry Hour", "Theater Meetings", "Festival Without Borders".
"Slavianski Bazaar" is held in a very picturesque place, there are national parks, reserves and UNESCO-protected natural monuments nearby. You will see centuries-old coniferous forests, diverse fauna of the Vitebsk region.
