MINSK, July 12 (Xinhua) -- The 33rd International Arts Festival, Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk, opened with a grand ceremony at Vitebsk's summer open-air theater on Thursday evening, with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko in attendance.
Lukashenko called the event a celebration of family and traditional values. The festival features national cultural day activities from the member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, celebrating Belarus' recent membership in the organization on July 4.
The festival, which runs through July 15, will also showcase performances and competitions by artists from nearly 40 countries. Over 5,000 guests have registered to participate in the event.
Initiated in 1992, the festival is held annually in mid-July in Vitebsk. It has become one of the most influential international art festivals in the Commonwealth of Independent States region and Eastern European countries. ■
