From June 12 to 14, 2026, the traditional festival “Zvinjats Cymbaly i Harmonik” (“The Cymbals and Accordions Are Ringing”) is taking place in Pastavy, the Republic of Belarus. This year, the festival celebrates its 35th anniversary.
First Deputy Secretary-General of the CIS Igor Petrishenko sent greetings to the organizers and participants of the festival.
The greeting notes that over the years of its existence, the festival has become an integral part of the cultural life of the Pastavy region and Belarus as a whole. It showcases the uniqueness of folk creativity and conveys the atmosphere of sincerity and hospitality for which the region is renowned.
It also emphasizes that the festival is rightfully considered a vivid example of people’s diplomacy aimed at preserving and enriching historical heritage, as well as drawing public attention to authentic traditions and cultural values.