The Friendship Festival was held as part of the celebration of the millennial anniversary of Brest

Brest State A. S. Pushkin University was included into the celebration of the millennial anniversary of Brest. The Friendship Festival prepared by BrSU was held on Lenin Square on September 8. This fascinating presentation of the University brought together students from Belarus (Brest State A. S. Pushkin University), Russia (Volgograd State Socio-Pedagogical University), Ukraine (Lesya Ukrainka Eastern European national University), Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan (Brest State A. S. Pushkin University).

The rector of BrSU Anna Sender addressed the participants and guests of the festival with a greeting. Anna Sender knows exactly that today's young people are very energetic, so they have time not only to study, but also to actively engage in social activities. The rector noted that students, taking part in scientific conferences and student exchange programs, strengthen friendship between peoples. She wished them to achieve recognition in Brest where the spirit of creativity and peacefulness lives. Anna Sender also presented the participants with Certificates of Appreciation and souvenirs.

Nikolai Krasovsky, Chairman of the Brest Council of Deputies, warmly congratulated the festival audience. He thanked the rector of BrSU for the active participation of students in the festival and many town events. The main message of Nikolai Krasovsky was to create a new millennium, to make it even more interesting and comfortable for life. He awarded the participants with diplomas and statuettes with the emblem of Brest and the centre of educational excellence of the region.

The starting point of the festival was the musical number “I, you, he, she”, which demonstrated the friendship between peoples and set the tone for the event. Students from different countries really had something to show and surprise. There were melodious Belarusian language, national dances, instrumental music, a clockwork flash mob, hot Turkmen tunes, a Cappella singing and colourful costumes on Lenin Square. The creativity of different countries and parts of the world was harmoniously combined at this festival.

At the end of the concert, all the participants of the festival took the stage and performed the song “Round dance of friendship” – the song that calls for strengthening friendly relations between peoples. But the last chord of the creative program was the song “Through the years, through the distances”, which confirmed that there are no borders for collaborative art, that the friendship of peoples is not just words, but peace and harmony.

The Friendship Festival did not become the most important event of the millennium celebration (it did not claim to be), but it can be safely called the most friendly, in which the participants may differ in nationalities, but are united in spirit, love for creativity and beauty and friendly to each other.

The festival is over, but the memory of this colorful action and new acquaintances will remain forever. Brest State A. S. Pushkin University expresses its gratitude to all participants of the festival and wishes inspiration and creative success!

Julia Vovk,
student club