Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Belarus

The 25th National Festival of Belarusian Song and Poetry took place in Molodechno from June 9 to 13. The National Festival of Belarusian Song and Poetry is a unique opportunity to get acquainted with the rich cultural heritage of Belarus, its new trends, and to become part of a large festival movement that unites hearts and souls that love and cherish the Belarusian word and song.

On June 12, the festival was solemnly opened with a concert program “When the Song Gathers Friends”.

President of the Republic of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko sent a greeting to the participants, organizers and guests of the 25th National Festival of Belarusian Song and Poetry. The greeting from the President was read out by Minister of Culture Marat Markov.

The head of state in his greeting congratulated everyone on the opening of the cultural forum, which has become a landmark event and for the twenty‑fifth time gathers lovers of music and the native word.

“For several days, Molodechno becomes the center of the country’s creative life, where traditions and modernity intertwine. On the festival stages, the voices of famous masters and young performers are heard, interesting ideas and projects are born that reflect the spiritual strength and values of the Belarusian people,” the greeting says.

The President expressed confidence that the anniversary event will give guests and participants a festive mood and unforgettable moments of unity with true art.

Alexander Lukashenko wished everyone good health, success and new achievements.

Marat Markov emphasized in an interview with journalists:

— For Belarusian culture, Belarusian poetry and music, the festival in Molodechno is probably the main one. It was here, in Molodechno, 25 years ago that it was conceived as an event that should help develop Belarusian culture and, above all, contemporary Belarusian poetry and music. The festival was conceived as a platform where young performers would perform Belarusian songs without a backing track. What was conceived over 25 years continues today. And that is worth a lot.

The Minister of Culture recalled how many pop stars were born on the Molodechno horizon:

— It was created as a festival that would form new stars. And so it happened. Ruslan Alekhno, Irina Dorofeeva, Natalya Tamelo came from here. And today we have this opportunity — to continue to contribute to the development of Belarusian culture.

According to Marat Markov, despite the festival’s considerable age, a reboot of the forum in Molodechno is hardly needed:

— I am not sure that it needs to be radically renewed. Sometimes it is important to observe certain traditions. Every year there is a competition for young performers, which really helps both young performers and us to better understand our culture. Why change that? It is better to be able to preserve and develop such things.

The culmination of the festival program truly came on June 12 and 13. On these days, the National Competition of Young Performers of Belarusian Pop Song took place.

The winner of the Grand Prix of the National Competition of Young Performers of Belarusian Pop Song, held as part of the 25th National Festival of Belarusian Song and Poetry “Molodechno‑2026”, was a representative of the Minsk region, Danila Uss. The winners were determined based on the results of the third round of the republican stage of the competition, which took place on June 13 at the Molodechno Palace of Culture.

Another representative of the Minsk region, Alexey Buida, was awarded first place. Second place went to two performers: Igor Muravkin (Minsk region) and Ilya Kubrakov (Mogilev region). Third place was also shared by two vocalists: Yulia Sumkina (Minsk) and Kristina Zhura (Gomel region). 

The festival ended with a concert dedicated to women, as the anniversary festival takes place in the Year of the Belarusian Woman. The concert program featured songs by Belarusian composers and lyricists. Pop artists, choreographic and children’s groups took part.