About 70,000 people visited the festival Alexandria Gathers Friends in Shklov District, Mogilev Oblast, BelTA learned from Deputy Head of the Mogilev Oblast Public Security Police Department Sergei Volkov.

“Shklov District hosted one of the biggest festivals of the summer – Kupala Night. A huge number of visitors flocked to the banks of the Dnieper River that connects Vitebsk Oblast and Mogilev Oblast. Dozens of thousands of guests and participants, over half a thousand artisans gathered in Alexandria. The police were stationed there to ensure public order. Additional security measures were in place. No public order violations were reported,” Sergei Volkov said.

The national festival Kupala Night (Alexandria Gathers Friends) took place in Shklov District on 9-10 July. It featured thematic sites, artisans' stands, Kupala Night farmsteads, an exhibition of equipment and much more. The audience was treated to a spectacular concert. The large-scale event wrapped up with a gala concert and fireworks.

All in all, 120 economic entities (or 135 vendors) sold their products at the festival. The total length of the trade row exceeded 1.55 km, up by almost 150 m compared to the previous year. A total of 2,900 seats were placed, up by 700 compared to 2021. There were covered pavilions and open lounge areas for visitors. Food courts stayed open throughout the festival - from 11:00 on 9 July to 3:00 on 10 July.

Kupala Night in Alexandria has become a real cultural brand of Belarus. The festival debuted in 2010. Some 50,000 people took part in the event in 2012 and 110,000 in 2018. In 2020, the festival was held under the patronage of UNESCO.