Introduction

Vetka is a small town in Gomel Region that was founded by Old Believers (a branch of the Orthodox Christian Church).

Today the town has a population of 7.7 thousand people. Many tourists come here to visit a unique museum of folk crafts.

Geographic information

Vetka is situated 22 km away from Gomel. Motorways link the town with Gomel and Dobrush.

History

Vetka was founded in 1685 (or 1682, according to some historic papers) by Old Believers who fled central Russia. In the 17^th-18^th centuries the town was twice burnt down by the troops of the Russian Empire, and many residents were forced to move East.

In 1772 Vetka was annexed to the Russian Empire. In 1917 Vetka became part of Gomel Region, and in 1925 it officially received the status of a town. On December8 1926 Vetka became the main town of an administrative unit.

From August 18 1941 till September 27 1943 Vetka was occupied by fascist invaders.

On April 26 1986 faced radioactive pollution as a result of Chernobyl catastrophe.

Famous people

Vetka is the birthplace of member of the National Science Academy of Belarus P. P.  Rogovoy and A. A.  Gromyko, known as a statesman, diplomat and Hero of Socialist Labor.

Attractions

One of the main places of interest in Vetka is the mansion of merchant Groshikov that was built in 1897 in the central square of the town — the Red Square. Today the mansion hosts the museum of folk crafts.

Another attraction is the Transfiguration Church.

Landmark

The most famous tourist facility of the town of Vetka is the museum of local crafts whose exhibits include numerous handwritten books of Old Believers.

Events

The day of Vetka is celebrated on September 27, when the younger generation honors the memory of WWII veterans. Numerous concerts and performances are usually arranged on that day.

Infrastructure

Vetka’s hotel is under reconstruction. Guests of the town have at their disposal the hotels of Gomel:

Vetka is a perfect destination for tourists keen on folk lore, crafts and traditions and Old Believers from all over the world.

Legends and traditions

Residents of the villages of Kazatskiye Bolsuny (50 km away from Vetka) and Yanovo (30 km away) regularly conduct an old ritual called Arrow Burial. On the 40^th day after Easter they gather together to sing and dance in a ring, and then bury an arrow. This ritual symbolizes the end of spring and the beginning of summer.

Tours

Vetka is included in the following tours:

· The Cultural Heritage of Gomel Region (22 km, Gomel-Halch-Vetka; traveling by bus and walking);

· The Golden Ring of Gomel Region (Gomel-Loyev-Rechitsa-Yurovichi-Mozyr-Turov-Krasny Bereg-Chechersk-Vetka).