An artist performs during the 27th Slavonic Bazaar arts festival in Vitebsk, Belarus, July 12, 2018. The 27th Slavonic Bazaar arts festival kicked off in the city of Vitebsk in northeastern Belarus on Thursday. (Xinhua/Wei Zhongjie)

MINSK, July 12 (Xinhua) -- The 27th Slavonic Bazaar arts festival kicked off in the city of Vitebsk in northeastern Belarus on Thursday.

Artists from some 40 countries are expected to join the annual international arts festival, which has become a trademark of the Republic of Belarus.

The International Song Contest in Vitebsk has been the highlight of the festival since 1992.

The International Children's Song Contest as well as fascinating cinema and theater screening will also be held within the framework of the festival.

This year's Slavonic Bazaar will last until next Monday. Extra activities will take place on Tuesday and Wednesday.