"Polotsk – Territory of Unity" – under this motto, large-scale celebrations of the 1160th anniversary of the oldest city in Belarus took place

The events began on Friday. Polotsk residents and city guests were treated to a show by the St. Petersburg Dance Theatre at the Polotsk Culture Center and a magnificent project "Masterpieces of Musical Art at the Walls of Ancient Sophia" on Freedom Square. The colorful venues of "Craftsmen's Polotsk," featuring the "City of Masters," and "Trading Polotsk," where a wide range of industrial goods can be purchased and one can join the "tasty" project "Festival of Belarusian Cuisine," hospitably opened their doors.

On Saturday, the main day of the holiday, a procession of labor collectives took place under the motto "Polotsk. Preserving the Past, Building the Future." The culmination of the grand celebration was the ceremony on Freedom Square, which was attended by State Secretary of the Union State Dmitry Mezentsev, Chairperson of the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly Natalya Kochanova, Chairman of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee Alexander Subbotin, Ambassador of the Russian Federation to the Republic of Belarus Boris Gryzlov, Assistant to the President of the Republic of Belarus – Inspector for the Vitebsk Region Anatoly Linevich, Chairman of the Polotsk District Executive Committee Igor Markovich, and other officials.

A solemn award ceremony for the laureates of the title "Honorary Citizen of Polotsk District" also took place here. On this day, the ranks of famous people were joined by a new name – the title "Honorary Citizen of Polotsk District" was awarded to Natalya Kochanova, whose entire life is inextricably linked with the Polotsk region. Natalya Ivanovna has dedicated many years of her working life to the prosperity of her small homeland.

Francysk Skaryna Gymnasium No. 1 presented its famous alumna with a lapbook – a book containing quests "Get to Know Your Classmates," and much more, which will remind her of significant and memorable places she visited during her school childhood.

Answering reporters' questions, Natalya Kochanova admitted that she is immensely proud of the achievements of her fellow countrymen and is grateful for the recognition of her merits.
– I love my city immensely, – admitted Natalya Ivanovna. – This is my small homeland, and I am always proud that I am from Polotsk. I am very glad to be involved in its celebration, its birthday, today. It became an honorable mission for me to read out the greeting from the Head of State, because I know how much he has done for our city, confirming the comprehensive program for the city's development with his Decree and giving instructions for the development of Polotsk until 2025. And, of course, I am happy to be among my fellow countrymen. The high award I received is significant for me. I have always been proud of my city. I understand that it is the best on earth. It is my spiritual strength, it is my father's house, it is the place where, when I arrive, I take a deep breath, feeling the warmth of my own home.

Dmitry Mezentsev is a frequent guest in the ancient land of Polotsk.
Speaking about his emotions upon arriving at the celebration, he noted in particular:
– I am grateful for the opportunity to comprehend the amazing history of this ancient city, thanks to the colorful, deeply thought-out performance during the grand opening. Today we are talking about a new stage in the development of economic relations between Russia and Belarus. We once again emphasize the great importance of the decisions made by the heads of our states, when the 28 Union Programs were approved. In the implementation of this global plan, there is a place for the regions of Belarus and the subjects of the Russian Federation, some have already built their production chains and ties, some are still planning to do so. Of course, today there is an uplifting mood when we see smiles on people's faces, see lively dances, when we see the passage of time over centuries, it will forever be in our memory.

Also on Saturday, at the site of the memorial sign "Polotsk – the geographical center of Europe," the district centralized library system, as part of the creative image project "Poetic Open-Air 'Verses over the City'," presented the literary and musical composition "A Compliment to the Native City." The rich and diverse program included book and illustrated exhibitions, the creative laboratory "Drawing the Symbols of the Motherland," the campaign "100 Reasons Why I Love Polotsk," master classes in calligraphy and fabric painting, musical and poetic performances.

On the same day, Polotsk hosted the participants of the international literary forum "Center of Europe," during which representatives of literary communities from 14 countries of the world once again immersed themselves in a unique creative atmosphere, and the city's residents and guests had the opportunity to enjoy the high style of the competition finalists.
During these days, the city turned into a huge, colorful, and diverse platform where all the variety of talents of the inhabitants of the ancient city was revealed.