Marc Chagall house Museum

The people of Belarus are a kind, friendly and good humoured nation. The patience and peacefulness of the Belarusian people has been determined by the nation’s history that has been darkened by endless wars which the Belarusians did not start, but fell victim to. Belarus is welcoming to all visitors and interested in sharing its culture, traditions and sense of community with them.

With a complex history and rich architecture Belarus is a wonderful place to explore no matter what time of year. With a diverse geography and a passion for natural history and wildlife Belarus would be an outdoor enthusiasts' dream. Whether this is your first visit to Belarus or your fifth, come explore all it has to offer.

Modern-day art culture in Belarus is equally varied and dynamic. There are numerous art exhibitions, musicals, theatrical performances and cinema festivals – all of which are easily accessible to Belarusians and visitors alike. Music festivals are very popular in Belarus. The international arts festival Slavonic Bazaar in Vitebsk has become the symbol of the festival movement of Belarus. Taking part in the festival are popular performers from all over the world. Belarus plays host to numerous theater festivals. Prestigious theatrical forums are regularly held in various parts of Belarus bringing together performers from all over the world. The most famous theater forums are:• International Theater Festival Belaya Vezha (Brest)• International Theater Festival Panorama (Minsk)• International Festival of Student Theaters Teatralny Kufar (Minsk)• M.art.contact International Youth Theater Forum (Mogilev)• International Forum of Theater Arts TEART (Minsk)• Belarusian International Festival of Puppet Shows (Minsk). Belarus’ modern cinematography carries on the tradition of previous generations, looking for a new pathway. А lot of movies in Belarus are produced in cooperation with cinematographers from all over the world. Numerous movies were made by Nikita Mikhalkov, Petr and Valerij Todorovskij, Dmitriy Astrahan, Alexander Sokurov at Belarusfilm.

Belarus hosts major cinema festivals:

• the International Film Festival Listapad and the Children and Youth Film Festival Listapadzik (Minsk)

• the National Festival of Belarusian Films (Brest)

• the International Animated Film Festival Animaevka (Mogilev)

• International festival of Christian movies and TV programs Magnificat (Glubokoye)

15 March - Constitution Day

15 March marks the day in 1994 when Belarus established its new Constitution.

2 April - Union Day of Belarus and Russia

This is the official holiday marking the union of the states of Belarus and Russia. On this day in 1996 the President of Belarus (Alexander Lukashenko) and the then-President of Russia (Boris Yeltsin) signed the Commonwealth agreement of Belarus and Russia in Moscow. One year later, on 2 April 1997, came the agreement to form a Belarus-Russia Union.

2nd Sunday in May - Day of the National Emblem and Flag of Belarus

This holiday is dedicated to the main symbols of the country which embody the ideas of national unity and are the major attributes of sovereignty and independence in Belarus.

9 May - Victory Day

Victory Day commemorates victory in the World War 2 (known as the Great Patriotic War).

During the war, 25 per cent of the population of Belarus died. The occasion is marked with a large parade in Minsk Victory Square led by war veterans.

3 July - Independence Day

In Belarus, Independence Day is celebrated on 3 July and marks the liberation of Minsk in 1944 from fascist aggressors.

The occasion is marked with a large military parade in Pobeditilei Avenue. Independence Day demonstrates the achievements of a sovereign Belarus and reminds the people that by suffering great loss, they have won the freedom of their country.

Other holidays and memorable dates in Belarus

Holidays:

1 January: New Year

7 January: Orthodox Christmas

23 February: Fatherland Defenders and Armed Forces day of the Republic of Belarus – a day that pays tribute to servicemen past and present, and recognises all men too.

8 March: Women’s Day – This day was established following the revolution in 1917. In modern Belarus 8 March is a celebration of love and respect toward women.

1 May: Labour Day (Worker’s Day) - International Labour Day is one of the most popular holidays in Belarus. To celebrate there are lots of concerts and public entertainment and many families celebrate with picnics and shashlyk barbecues.

7 November: October Revolution Day

25 December: Catholic Christmas

Memorable dates:

Belarus officially established memorable dates to acknowledge victims of great tragedy and to pay respect to those that died.

9th day after Orthodox Easter: Commemoration Day (Radonitsa) – on this day, people in Belarus usually visit cemeteries to pay respect and lay flowers on the tombs of relatives and friends.

26 April: Day of Remembrance of the Chernobyl tragedy

22 June: Day of Remembrance of the victims of the Great Patriotic War

National holidays

Apart from the official holidays in Belarus there are also popular ancient national holidays:

6 – 7 July: Kupalle – Celebrated over the entire night of 6 July, this holiday is accompanied by songs, dances and traditions such as fire-jumping and night swims.

Дата добавления: 2015-11-14