Traditions & Festivals

"Yurievsky Karagod": for the wealth of the earth.

Annually in the village of Pogost people held the ancient rite "Yurievsky Karagod", which was the first in Belarus to receive the status of an immaterial historical and cultural value of national importance in 2005. The word "Karagod" consists of two bases: "karv" (bull) and "vadzits" (conduct). The bull is a sacrificial animal, which the ancient inhabitants of the earth brought as a gift to the solar deity.

"Vozhdenie Suly": a gift from antiquity

Do you know what "Vozhdenie Suly" is? This Belarusian rite was held in the village of Markovichi, Gomel region. Sula is a spear, a throwing weapon. Perhaps an arrow or a sula, which was thrown into the crowd of men, was a lot: the "victim" of arrow was given to the pagan god of fertility. But this is just a guess.

Radunitsa: taking care of ancestors

On this day, the Tuesday of St. Thomas week, according to the order instituted by our Holy Fathers, we call to remembrance, in Paschal joy, all those who have died from the beginning of the ages in faith and in the hope of resurrection and life eternal.

Festivals Of National Culture And Cuisine

What did Belarus look like hundreds of years ago? What is so unique about its culture? What Belarusian traditions are famous around the world and how can our country amaze ethno-tourists?

Belarusian Rite Of The Kolyady (Christmas) Tsars

In 2009, the unique Belarusian rite of the Kolyady Tsars, which is performed only in the village of Semezhevo (Kopyl District, Minsk Oblast), was added to the UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

The International Arts Festival Slavonic Bazaar in Vitebsk

The International Arts Festival Slavonic Bazaar in Vitebsk has become a trademark of the Republic of Belarus. For years, the music forum has been promoting cross-cultural dialogue between nations and countries.

The Medieval Festival "The White Caste"

The spectators can admire performances in costume, combats of knights and ancient music.

Dzyady

It's rechristian celebration originating from the cult of ancestors.

Kalyady

The Pagan Flair Of A Belarusian Christmas. In the Belarusian countryside, the religious holidays of Christmas and Epiphany are fused with pagan “Kalyady” rituals.

Spring Greeting

it's a cycle of celebrations designed to "awake" mother Earth from the winter sleep which was important for such agricultural people as belarusians.

Kupala Night in Belarus

When summer is in full swing, Belarus celebrates Kupala Night (or Kupalle), one of the oldest folk holidays dedicated to the sun and efflorescence.

History and Culture Museum-Reserve Zaslavl

Zaslavl is one of the most ancient Belarusian towns. It was first mentioned in chronicles in 1127. However, it was founded much earlier.

Museum of Old Folk Crafts and Technologies Dudutki

Dudutki is one of the most attended museums in Belarus. It is located 40km away from Minsk in a picturesque site near the Ptich River.

Belarusian State Museum of Vernacular Architecture and Ethnic Heritage

It is Belarus’ single museum-skansen that represents a whole village of architectural specimens of the 17th-20th centuries.