Petkevich: Traditions lie at the heart of a strong state
13.07.2026
ALEXANDRIA (
BelTA) – Traditions are the foundation of a strong state, Deputy Prime Minister Natalya Petkevich said during the opening of the national Kupala Night Festival 2026 (Alexandria Gathers Friends) in Shklov District on 11 July, BelTA has learned.
A state must possess a number of characteristics outlined in any textbook. “A strong state must have many things, but at its core lie traditions,” she noted. “A strong state is what the Republic of Belarus is all about.”
The Alexandria Gathers Friends festival, in Natalya Petkevich’s view, is itself proof of a strong state. “It means that we honor traditions, that there is unity between the state and society in our love for these traditions, and that the state supports them and follows them. But more importantly, we develop these traditions and bring something new to them,” she said.
“The celebration of the Kupala night is one of the most beautiful, kind, heartfelt, and in many ways family-oriented national traditions. And Shklov land is all of this,” the deputy prime minister believes.
One of the main symbols of the Kupala night is the “fern flower,” and everyone has their own. Our country has found its own “fern flower.” “In fact, it is hard to find a land as beautiful, genuine, and wonderful as our Belarus. It is successful and thriving thanks to the people who make it so. May this day bring a piece of happiness to each and every one of us,” Natalya Petkevich wished.
A state must possess a number of characteristics outlined in any textbook. “A strong state must have many things, but at its core lie traditions,” she noted. “A strong state is what the Republic of Belarus is all about.”
The Alexandria Gathers Friends festival, in Natalya Petkevich’s view, is itself proof of a strong state. “It means that we honor traditions, that there is unity between the state and society in our love for these traditions, and that the state supports them and follows them. But more importantly, we develop these traditions and bring something new to them,” she said.
“The celebration of the Kupala night is one of the most beautiful, kind, heartfelt, and in many ways family-oriented national traditions. And Shklov land is all of this,” the deputy prime minister believes.
One of the main symbols of the Kupala night is the “fern flower,” and everyone has their own. Our country has found its own “fern flower.” “In fact, it is hard to find a land as beautiful, genuine, and wonderful as our Belarus. It is successful and thriving thanks to the people who make it so. May this day bring a piece of happiness to each and every one of us,” Natalya Petkevich wished.