Over the 20 years of the existence of the Slavic Bazaar, it has become the beloved festival of Belarus, its hallmark. The motto of the international forum calls on people to come to mutual understanding and peace through art. The cornflower sung by the Slavs was chosen as the logo of the festival; its connection with music shows the stave.
The first "Slavic Bazaar" was held in 1992 in Vitebsk, already then it brought together 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 introduce its guests to the art of songwriting by Slavic peoples.
The following year, the "Slavic Bazaar" was accepted into the FIDOF (International Federation of Festival Organizers). The geography of participants gradually expanded; in 1993, musicians from Bulgaria, Yugoslavia, Lithuania, Turkey, Slovakia, and Kyrgyzstan also performed.
Alexander Lukashenko, President of Belarus, has personally oversaw the Slavic Bazaar since 1995. Then he was awarded the status of the International Festival of Arts. The following year made the "Slavic Bazaar" accessible to all the inhabitants of the planet, since it was broadcast from a satellite.
The festival record was registered in 2000 - it gathered on its stage representatives of all Slavic peoples of the world. "Slavonic Bazaar" was twice recognized as the "Best Festival of the Year" for mass and good organization. The FIDOF Assembly was also held in Vitebsk, which meant recognition of the highest level of the rally.
In 2009, the Alley of Laureates of the Slavic Bazaar opened. The 20th anniversary art festival in Vitebsk was held in 2011. Over the twenty years of its existence, the Slavic Bazaar has received more than 55 thousand artists from 68 countries of the world. On the stage of the festival, 316 concerts took place, and about three million spectators watched them!
The greatest interest among the guests of the "Slavic Bazaar" is caused by the international competition of performers. It is attended by both eminent artists and young talents who hope to be seen by guests of the festival. A children’s music contest is always fun, where children from different countries compete.
At the "Slavic Bazaar", viewers are presented with cinematic and theatrical works of the Slavic peoples. The festival program is full of interesting ideas, diverse and will not leave anyone indifferent.
Vitebsk these days opens a vernissage in the open air, where you will see the magnificent works of contemporary artists and painters. Be sure to visit the City of Masters to see the beautiful craftsmanship.
As part of the festival program, gala concerts of songwriters from Belarus, Russia and Ukraine are held. Other interesting events await you: Starry Hour, Theater Meetings, Festival without Borders.
The "Slavonic Bazaar" is held in a very picturesque place, nearby are national parks, reserves and UNESCO protected natural monuments. You will see centuries-old coniferous forests, a diverse fauna of the Vitebsk region.
