Fun and festivities in Belarus - celebrations, festivals and cultural events

The town of Mir in the Grodno Region has a good tradition of bringing together guests of the capital under the roof of the Mir Castle. The start of a new year is traditionally celebrated with a series of Christmas balls. During every event, guests find themselves in different epochs of the past. All participants of the ball are dressed in outfits corresponding to a certain period of time. With the music of a live orchestra, everyone is welcome to show their dancing skills. Professional dancers often give master classes to beginners. It is also possible to take memorable pictures in the exclusive design of the castle. During the New Year holidays, the castle hosts a masquerade ball for children with interesting contests. Some lucky visitors can even see a ghost that lives in the Mir Castle.

Romantic people and couples always wait for February 14 impatiently. In Minsk, a special event called “Mass kiss” has become very popular on this holiday. Everyone who is willing to participate gathers on a certain street, in a park or stadium and start kissing after a signal. There is also a tradition of giving each other Valentine Day postcards with good wishes and words of love. This day is an excellent occasion to make gifts to each other. Some couples are able to refresh their feelings by spending this day together. Many people believe that if a couple marries on this day, they will live happily together for many years. In art universities, students and teachers organize “Valentine parties”.

Since 2014, it has become a good tradition to organize “Magic Show” in Grodno. This is the International Festival of Magicians. Girls flying in the air, disappearing objects, birds that appear out of nowhere, and different tricks with cards… Visitors can test magicians by asking them to read their mind or to detect hidden items. For example, “Magician’s Dream” is a true theatrical performance. A portrait of a girl drawn by a magician becomes alive right in front of viewers. The girl dances with a magician, her outfits change, and then she suddenly disappears. The atmosphere of this festival is filled with magic and excitement. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

From September to November, fans of Asian culture meet in Borisov, Mogilev, Gomel, and Minsk. An Aikido master class usually opens the Festival of Japanese Autumn. Visitors can attend an exhibition of Japanese graphics of the 70s of the previous century. A 3D scanner makes copies of the exhibited items. Guests are welcome to participate in numerous discussions and lectures. Concerts of Japanese musicians have also become popular during the event. Attendees can also participate in sports competitions in the style of the Land of the Rising Sun. Among other activities available to visitors, it is important to mention tea ceremonies with detailed explanations and ikebana master classes.

New Year is Belarus is about cold weather, snow, Christmas tree with sparkling garlands, and the scent of mandarin oranges. Every dish on the festive New Year table symbolizes a particular month. Cheese, fish, and mushrooms are among mandatory foods. Locals also like to make city strolls to say goodbye to the year that is coming to an end. Belarusians treat superstitions with respect. For example, the first customer in a new year can make a purchase for a symbolic price. Modern New Year traditions are a combination of old beliefs and new trends.

Both Catholic and Orthodox Christian Christmases are celebrated in Belarus. Celebrations start on December 25 and end on January 7. It is considered a family holiday, so Belarusians prefer to celebrate it together with relatives. Before Christmas Eve, locals clean their houses, and many go to church to confess. On the holiday day, everyone stays at home. Children help with preparations for the important holiday. People put hay and grain on the table, and then cover it with a tablecloth. The first evening star on the sky signifies the start of the Holy Supper. The family’s head separates altar bread and gives it to everyone. It is also important to try all the dishes present on the table.

Every year, Muziejny Komplieks Dudutki hosts an interesting festival called Sviata Sonza that is dedicated to the holiday of Kupala. The celebration is an interesting combination of Christian and pagan traditions. It is a wonderful event to attend open-air concerts and see a large fire show. Visitors can participate in performances inspired by the traditions of the national culture. When the main show program is over, everyone goes to the Ptsich River to jump over the burning fire. Guests make wishes, do fortune telling, join processions with torches, make flower circlets, and then let these circlets flow on the river.

The country celebrates two holidays on October 14 – the Mantle (Pokrov) of Our Lady and Mother’s Day. It is believed that prayers saw the Blessed Virgin in Jerusalem on this day. She covered the prayers with her mantle as if protecting them. That is why the Mother’s Day coincides with the important religious holiday in Belarus. All women are gifted flower bouquets and gifts. Children express gratitude to their mothers. This holiday is a way to save and strengthen family and moral values. In the republic, the politic of protection and care of women is stipulated in the laws.