How does the large family Mezhuev from Gorodok live - the winners of the regional stage of the contest "Family of the Year - 2026"

Family ship Mezhuev, winners of the regional stage of the competition “Family of the year — 2026”, is heading for the capital

Their bright musical number in the maritime theme at the regional stage of the contest “Family of the Year – 2026” did not leave anyone indifferent. Pavel and Olesya Mezhueva from Vitebsk Region Township and their four daughters conquered the jury with artistry, coherence and incredible energy, proving that their large team is a single crew. Ahead is the Republican final, where they will represent the entire northern region. We visited a friendly family to find out what it is like to live on full sails, where every day is painted as notes, and love and support serve as a compass.

The 41-year-old Pavel Mezhuev has a maximum program performed with reserve. Built his own house in the center of the town, the trees are planted, and most importantly the wealth is always nearby. These are his beloved wife Olesya and daughters: 16-year-old Dana, ten-year-old Stefania, five-year-old Olivia and two-year-old Emilia. Recently, together they won the title of the best family of the Vitebsk region. On the stage, Mezhueva presented not just a creative business card, but a whole social project under the motto "Girls can do anything." Having created an interactive “laboratory of professions”, they clearly showed that modern girls are able to realize themselves in any field if they feel the support of loved ones.

- This was our first such experience, says Olesya Vladimirovna. But the excitement quickly passed, giving way to joy. On stage we were as sincere as possible and just had a great time.

The victory came as a surprise to the family. The competition was quite high, and when their last name came out, Mezhuev, by their own admission, experienced a pleasant shock. The story of Pavel and Olesya Mezhuev began more than 20 years ago in ... one entrance. Neighborly sympathy grew into a strong and beautiful union. Today Pavel Stanislavovich works as Deputy Director of the Vitebsk Regional Center of the Olympic Reserve for Winter Sports. His wife Olesya Vladimirovna is the main specialist in the field of social protection. While she is on maternity leave, but already plans to return to her favorite job: the youngest daughter Emilia is successfully adapting to kindergarten.

The morning in Mezhuev’s house begins at exactly six. The first internal alarm is set by the father: Paul rises before everyone else, and at seven o'clock he wakes Olesya. Next - the usual morning marathon: feed, collect, charge for a great day. Time management is pumped to all 100, Olesya laughs, saying:

- Dana's older daughter is now my first assistant. She's in the 11th grade, she's doing well and dreaming of a career in IT.

Like her parents, Dana seems to manage everything: drawing pictures by numbers, singing, playing the piano. Next to her is ten-year-old Stephanie, a fire girl. There is no time to miss Stesha: the garbage will take out, and the branded home pizza will help to knead, and the choreography classes in the children's team "Zadorinka" will not be late. Olivia is not far behind either - a small energizer in action. Even the baby Emilia already shows a quick temper. They are not from large families, says Paul, adding:

- From youth and inexperience, we imagined that we would have two, preferably different-sex children. In the end, they are four beautiful daughters. And that's the best thing that ever happened to us. Having many children makes life really rich, I agree with Olesya's husband:

- At the same time, the key to a strong large family is love and a personal example. Children need to see the kindness and support of their parents to bring this experience into their lives in the future. In Belarus, a lot is done for large children, Mezhuev emphasize. The shoulder provided by the state is felt in everything: from benefits for paying for kindergarten, free meals at school to targeted assistance. The most important support is maternity capital. By the way, if necessary, Pavel and Olesya want to send this money to the higher education of their girls. Dad's daughter Pavel Mezhuev is easy to imagine in place of a large father-hero from a popular Russian sitcom. But life is much more interesting. Pavel Stanislavovich is not only a successful leader, but also a hockey coach and a musician. Although he is surrounded only by girls at home, male authority is hardened on the ice arena. After the main work, Pavel rushes to training for the boys from the local children's hockey team "Luch". Five years ago, they started with a single school hockey box, and today they are melting ice not only at the level of the region. Now the national team under the leadership of Pavel and his colleague Vladislav Tretyakov became the best in the republican competitions "Golden Puck" for the President's prizes!

The sports spirit of the Pope is transmitted to the daughters of Pavel Mezhuev. In winter, they happily get up on skis and confidently dissect on skates.

- How do you manage everything when you are a “captain” of a large family? “Discipline, responsibility and a clear schedule,” Pavel said. Of course, there are days of special load, for example, March 8. Then in the morning I go for flowers, and then we can rush to nature or stay at home. It's all about doing it together. Music occupies a special place in the Mezhuev family. Pavel, who plays the accordion and guitar, has his own cover band with the speaking name “City.Ok”. Last summer, this team prepared a large-scale gift for the residents of the district center for Independence Day. Namely, the author’s song “The Town is the Capital of Snow”, combining live music, hockey players, and dancers “Zadorinok” in the room. Olesya Mezhueva graduated from the school of art in piano, the eldest daughters are also on the general musical wave. It is not surprising that for the competition, the townspeople chose a number for the song “Crew – One Family”. Marine theme for them, by the way, is not just a stage image with a sham steering wheel and shape. This is a tribute to the ancestors: Paul’s grandfather served three years on the morphlot.

The life of Mezhuev never stands still. The plans are to travel all over Belarus: from the majestic walls of the castles of Peace and Nesvizh to the picturesque streets of Grodno. After a bright family trip to Dagestan, Olesya awakened a passion for culinary experiments. Now, dishes are born in the home kitchen - legends of oriental cuisine: from Turkish lasagna from lavashes (yamma) to thick and spicy Georgian bowl soup. The male half also does not lag behind - Paul masterfully wizards over kebabs and home smoking.

Looking at this family, you realize that their big house is full of not just trouble, but light, music and victories. And their main reward is happiness, divided into all.

naumova@sb.by