The 'Life-Giving Power' herb festival took place in Dokshytsy
The rich and diverse program of the "Zhivotvornaya sila" (Life-Giving Power) herb festival, held for the second time in Dokshytsy, delighted even the most discerning spectators.
This unique event is an integral part, an overture to the republican festival of two rivers, which the Dokshytsy region will host on the second weekend of August.
The idea to dedicate the holiday to the "herbs" of their native land was not accidental: 65 species of medicinal herbs and 23 species of edible plants grow in the district. The local pristine places – the Berezinsky Biosphere Reserve, the "Golubitskaya Pushcha" hydrological reserve, and the Servach River valley – are a treasure trove of valuable natural objects.
– Our region is rightly called a festival region, because no other region in the country has such a large number of festivals, – noted Vladimir Terentyev, Chairman of the Vitebsk Regional Council of Deputies. – The oldest of them is "Braslav Zarnitsy," the most famous is "Slavyansky Bazaar in Vitebsk." There are also many regional holidays that have international status. It is wonderful that the movement, which began decades ago, continues, and that the leadership of the Dokshytsy district, after consulting with scientists, decided to hold a herb festival.
Other honored guests wished longevity to the festival and the realization of its tourism potential.
Participants of the "PRO#Ziolki" bike ride, organized by the BRSM district committee, set off along a 28 km route through their native land.
The ethno-estate "Vetyera" became a place of attraction, where visitors were shared secrets of herb preparation and making delicious teas from them. The national cuisine club "Shchadrovka" treated guests to Belarusian dishes, and for "dessert," a real wedding took place here! The newlyweds Pavel and Polina Anishchik were greeted with a wedding каравай. After a series of humorous trials, they kissed to the shouts of "Gorko!" and danced with their fellow villagers.
The main event of the festival unfolded in the district center. On the occasion of the 120th anniversary of the Holy Protection Church, Bishop Ignatius of Polotsk and Glubokoye visited Dokshytsy. He blessed the Orthodox Christians for good deeds.
What deeds Dokshychchyna is famous for could be learned at the "Healing Power of Plants" herbalists' forum, numerous thematic sites, in the herbalist's parlor, and during a historical and romantic walk through the city's attractions.
Source: vitebsk-region.gov.by