The Belarusian "Lyavonikha" was performed in Hajnówka
- Admin of the NAM
- Jan 17
- 2 min read
Hajnówka is one of the most important centers of Belarusian identity in Poland, where the Belarusian minority lives and preserves and respects Belarusian culture, language, and history.
Deputy Head of the United Transitional Cabinet and Head of NAM, Pavel Latushka, congratulated the graduates of the Hajnówka Lyceum with additional Belarusian language education during the 2026 "Hundred Days" celebration. This is a Polish tradition that takes place in all lyceums in Poland 100 days before the start of final exams.
Students of the Belarusian Lyceum in Hajnówka study Belarusian language, history, and culture, as well as Belarusian songs and dances. Traditionally, in Polish lyceums, all graduates dance the Polonaise by Michał Kleofas Ogiński, a work created by the outstanding composer in Załessie, in the Smarhon region of the Grodno area. However, at the Hajnówka Lyceum, graduates always add the "Lyavonikha" dance to the famous Polonaise.
In his speech as an honorary guest at the ceremony, Pavel Latushka emphasized that a democratic Belarus and Belarusians will always support the Belarusian minority in Poland, which preserves Belarusian traditions and roots going back centuries, from their ancestors.
Pavel Latushka also noted that he first visited the Hajnówka Lyceum with additional Belarusian language education in 1997 as Vice-Consul of the Belarusian Consulate General in Białystok. Later, he returned as Ambassador and as Minister of Culture of Belarus. Today, as Deputy Head of the Cabinet and elected delegate of the Coordination Council, he expressed his honor in greeting all Belarusians who cherish Belarusian tradition and culture.
He also highlighted that, as an ambassador, he had the honor of initiating the opening of the Belovezhskaya Pushcha border crossing "Pereiraw – Belovezha", which is now closed, but he hopes that soon Belarusians and Poles will be able to visit each other freely within the common European space.
"I am Belarusian and I am proud of it. I can open my soul to everyone: Never and nowhere will I deny That I lived for Belarusians and will continue to live for them!"
This verse by the outstanding Belarusian poet Viktar Shved, born in the Białystok region, was cited by Pavel Latushka in his speech. He stressed the importance of remembering one’s homeland, traditions, roots, history, and culture of the places where a person was born.
"What unites us is our common Belarusian identity. Belarusian democratic forces and the United Transitional Cabinet will always support Belarusians in Poland," emphasized Pavel Latushka.
This year, 104 lyceum students studying Belarusian language and culture will take exams, including in Belarusian language. Next year, all new students entering the Hajnówka Lyceum will continue studying Belarusian language and culture, which serves as an example for all of us.
"As a former diplomat, Minister of Culture, and today a representative of Belarusian democratic forces, I encourage all Belarusians who, by the will of fate, find themselves in Poland, to study the traditions of the Belarusian minority in Poland, which has preserved its love and respect for Belarusian identity. This is a source of our present and our future," concluded Pavel Latushka.
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