Details

Published: 20 September 2024

Ask anyone where Vitebsk (think Marc Chagal the painter) is or mention the festival name and you have a good chance no one will know either. Of course, if you originate from an ex-Soviet Socialist Republic you may have heard of it. Why has no one heard of it? Western government and media bias I would say. The West only talks negative for general news and especially about “enemy” countries. Ask anyone about Russia and Belarus, and the average person will say the same things with no positivity.

What is Slavianski Bazaar? It was started in 1992, a little after the USSR fell as some sort of Slavic Eurovision. Eurovision is the wrong word since it goes beyond just ex-SSR’s, other ex-commi states and even beyond Europe. It runs for three days but the whole city goes into festival mode for longer. With street art, crafts for sale, food stands, music, choirs, pop concerts, fireworks, military/police demos, commercial exhibits and more with a lot being free. Even the main event is not a rip off like what the West would charge. I paid £40 each for a high-end ticket near the stage for the finale & semi-final.

Is it safe? Yes! Belarus has no terrorism and very low crime, and there are plenty of police patrols. And no, you are not going to be mugged, shot or arrested as many think! Stop believing whatever you are told.

What happens? The other events are separate and not all need a ticket. The actual event is somewhat like Eurovision with different levels and some side acts like Soviet style comedy which I did not go to due to language reasons. Various performers come from all over, like: Belarus, Russia, Croatia, Spain, Italy, Argentina, Kazakhstan, Venezuela, South Africa and more. Unlike Eurovision you will see no political references or certain woke ideologies.

What about language? Some of the earlier levels were sung in Russian or the countries language with the final having more English as well as a presenter who spoke English & Russian.

What happens? The performer comes on with backing dancers and performs, then is chatted to by the presenters. Pyrotechnics and smoke generators are used, and it is quite similar to Eurovision format wise with panel votes. On the last day there is a closing event which is really a finale. After the winner is announced there is a fireworks display outside. The whole city has lots on and has a great atmosphere.

What about prices? Belarus is not a scam. Hotel, food, ticket prices and transport prices are cheaper than that of UK and even poorer EU states.

Disclaimer: I did not get paid to write this nor was asked to. I just believe every country should get fair reviews not based on what the media says, or FCDO/State Department says.