Belarusian National Holidays: Traditions And Celebrations

Belarus has a number of national holidays, including religious and commemorative days. Nine of these are non-working days. The country's national holidays include New Year's Day, Orthodox Christmas, International Women's Day, Easter Sunday, Orthodox Easter, Commemoration Day, Labor Day, Victory Day, Independence Day, October Revolution Day, and Catholic Christmas Day.

Religious holidays

Belarus observes a variety of religious holidays, including Christian and Orthodox celebrations. Here is a detailed overview:

Easter

Both Catholic and Orthodox Easter are recognised in Belarus. The date for Easter varies each year, according to the calendars of the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Roman Catholic Church. In the Catholic tradition, Easter Sunday commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The Orthodox Church also celebrates the resurrection of Christ, and the date typically falls after the Catholic celebration.

Radonitsa (Radunitsa)

This holiday is observed nine days after Orthodox Easter. Radonitsa is a day for honouring the dead. People in Belarus visit cemeteries, pay their respects, and lay flowers on the tombs of loved ones. It is a day of commemoration and remembrance.

Christmas

Both Catholic and Orthodox Christmas are celebrated in Belarus. Orthodox Christmas falls on January 7th, recognised by the Orthodox Church as the day Jesus was born. Catholic Christmas is celebrated according to the Gregorian calendar on December 25th, commemorating the Nativity of Jesus.

Dzyady

Dzyady is observed on November 2nd and is a day of almsgiving and prayers for the dead. It is a traditional day of commemoration and remembrance for the departed souls.

Kupalle

Kupalle is an ancient national holiday celebrated on the night of July 6th. It is a festive occasion filled with songs, dances, fire-jumping, and night swims. Kupalle embodies the rich cultural heritage of Belarus, with traditions that have been passed down through generations.

In addition to these religious holidays, Belarus also observes days that honour specific professions and fields, such as Social Protection Workers' Day, Rescue Service Day, and Medical Workers' Day. These observances recognise the contributions of various professionals and are marked accordingly.

State holidays

Constitution Day

Celebrated annually on 15 March, Constitution Day commemorates the day in 1994 when Belarus established its new constitution.

Union Day of Belarus and Russia

This holiday marks the union of the states of Belarus and Russia. On 2 April 1996, the presidents of both countries signed the Commonwealth Agreement of Belarus and Russia in Moscow. One year later, on 2 April 1997, they agreed to form a Belarus-Russia Union.

Day of the State Flag, the State Emblem, and the State Anthem of the Republic of Belarus

This holiday, which takes place on the second Sunday in May, 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.

Victory Day

This holiday commemorates the victory in World War II (known in Belarus as the Great Patriotic War) against Nazi Germany. During the war, 25% of the population of Belarus died. The occasion is marked with a large parade in Minsk Victory Square, led by war veterans.

Independence Day

Independence Day is celebrated on 3 July and marks the liberation of Minsk in 1944 from fascist aggressors. The day is marked with a large military parade on Pobeditilei Avenue, demonstrating the achievements of a sovereign Belarus and reminding the people of the great loss they suffered to win their freedom.

Day of People's Unity

This commemorative day is celebrated on 17 September.

Fatherland Defenders and Armed Forces Day of the Republic of Belarus

This day, celebrated on 23 February, pays tribute to servicemen past and present and recognises all men.

International Women's Day

Also known as Women's Day, this holiday on 8 March celebrates the efforts and accomplishments of women worldwide. It was established following the revolution in 1917, and in modern Belarus, it is a celebration of love and respect towards women.

Labour Day/International Workers' Day

Also known as Worker's Day, this is one of the most popular holidays in Belarus. It is celebrated on 1 May with lots of concerts and public entertainment, and many families also hold picnics and shashlyk barbecues.

October Revolution Day

This holiday commemorates the Great October Socialist Revolution, which began on 7 November 1917.

Catholic Christmas Day

Christmas Day is a Christian holiday that falls on 25 December and celebrates the birth of Jesus, according to the Gregorian Calendar.

Commemorative days

Commemorative and remembrance days in Belarus include:

Commemoration Day//Radunitsa (Ancestors Veneration Day)//Radonitsa: This national holiday is observed on the ninth day after Orthodox Easter. People in Belarus usually visit cemeteries to pay respect and lay flowers on the tombs of relatives and friends.

Day of Remembrance of the Chernobyl Tragedy: This day commemorates the Chernobyl disaster.

Day of Remembrance of the Victims of the Great Patriotic War: This day solemnly remembers all the victims of the Second World War and commemorates the heroic last stand of Brest Fortress in 1941, which was on the very frontier where the Eastern Front began.

Victory Day: This day commemorates the victory in World War 2 (known as the Great Patriotic War) and the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany. It is marked with a large parade in Minsk Victory Square led by war veterans.

Afghan War Veterans Day: This day commemorates the end of the Soviet-Afghan War.

Constitution Day: This day, 15 March, marks when Belarus established its new Constitution in 1994.

Union Day of Belarus and Russia: This day, 2 April, marks the union of the states of Belarus and Russia. On this day in 1996, the presidents of both countries signed the Commonwealth agreement in Moscow. One year later, they agreed to form a Belarus-Russia Union.

Day of the State Flag, the State Emblem, and the State Anthem of the Republic of Belarus: This holiday is dedicated to the main symbols of the country, which embody the ideas of national unity and are major attributes of sovereignty and independence in Belarus. It is held on the second Sunday in May.

Defender of the Fatherland and Armed Forces Day: This day pays tribute to servicemen past and present and recognises all men.

International Women's Day//Women's Day: This day was established following the revolution in 1917. In modern Belarus, it is a celebration of love and respect toward women.

Labour Day/International Workers' Day/*International Labour Day: This day commemorates the efforts and achievements of the labour movement and is also marked as a public holiday in over 80 countries. In Belarus, it is one of the most popular holidays, with lots of concerts and public entertainment, and many families celebrate with picnics and shashlyk barbecues.

Independence Day: This day commemorates the liberation of Minsk in 1944 from fascist aggressors and the country's independence from the Soviet Union. It is celebrated with a large military parade on Pobeditilei Avenue. Independence Day demonstrates the achievements of a sovereign Belarus and reminds the people that they won their country's freedom at a great cost.

October Revolution Day: This day commemorates the Great October Socialist Revolution that began on 7 November 1917.

Catholic Christmas Day//Western Christmas//Christmas Day: Christmas Day is a Christian holiday that celebrates the birth of Jesus, in accordance with the Gregorian Calendar.

Orthodox Christmas Day//Orthodox Christmas: Orthodox Christmas is celebrated in January as the Orthodox Church believes that Jesus was born on this day, based on the Julian Calendar.

Traditional holidays

Belarus has a rich cultural heritage, and this is reflected in its traditional holidays. These holidays are an important part of the country's culture and history, and many are celebrated with enthusiasm and joy. Here is an overview of some of Belarus's traditional holidays:

Kupalle

Kupalle is one of the most popular traditional holidays in Belarus. It is celebrated on the night of July 6th with songs, dances, fire-jumping, and night swims. The holiday is deeply rooted in Belarusian folklore and is believed to have ancient pagan origins. Kupalle is a time for people to come together and celebrate the summer solstice, honouring the sun and the natural world.

Vialikdzien' Katalicki

Vialikdzien' Katalicki, or Catholic Christmas, is celebrated by the Catholic community in Belarus on December 25th. It is a time for families to come together and exchange gifts, feasting, and celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. The holiday season is filled with decorations, Christmas trees, and traditional dishes such as kutia (a sweet grain pudding) and pierogi.

Vialikdzien' Pravaslauny

Vialikdzien' Pravaslauny, or Orthodox Christmas, is observed by the Orthodox Christian community in Belarus on January 7th. This date follows the Julian Calendar, which is used by the Orthodox Church. The holiday is marked by religious services, family gatherings, and traditional foods such as soaked fruit compote and stuffed fish.

Kalady Pravaslauny

Kalady Pravaslauny is the Belarusian name for Orthodox Easter, another significant religious holiday in the country. It commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ and is considered the principal feast of the Orthodox Church. The date of Orthodox Easter is based on the Julian Calendar and varies each year.

Kalady Katalicki

Kalady Katalicki, or Catholic Easter, is celebrated by the Catholic community in Belarus. It also commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ and is a joyful celebration marked by church services, family gatherings, and traditional Easter meals.

These traditional holidays in Belarus showcase the country's cultural diversity and strong religious beliefs. They are an integral part of the Belarusian calendar, bringing communities together and preserving ancient customs and rituals.

Public holidays

Belarus has a number of public holidays, which consist of religious and national holidays. There are nine non-working days in the country.

New Year's Day is a public holiday in Belarus that falls on the 1st of January and commemorates the first day of the new year according to the Gregorian calendar.

Orthodox Christmas is celebrated in January, based on the Julian calendar. It is the day that the Orthodox Church believes Jesus was born.

International Women's Day or Women's Day is celebrated on the 8th of March. It celebrates the efforts and accomplishments of women across the world.

Easter Sunday is a Christian holiday that celebrates the resurrection of Jesus.

Orthodox Easter marks the day Mary Magdalene found the empty tomb where Jesus had been placed after his crucifixion. This is the principal feast of the Orthodox Church.

Commemoration Day or Radunitsa falls on the ninth day after Orthodox Easter. It is a national holiday in Belarus when people visit cemeteries to pay their respects and lay flowers on the tombs of relatives and friends.

Labour Day or International Workers' Day commemorates the efforts and achievements of the labour movement. It is also a public holiday in over 80 countries.

Victory Day or Dzień Pieramohi marks the victory over Nazi Germany during World War II.

Independence Day or Dzień Niezaležnasci is celebrated on the 3rd of July and marks the liberation of Minsk in 1944, as well as independence from the Soviet Union.

October Revolution Day or Dzień Kastryčnickaj revalucyi commemorates the Great October Socialist Revolution that began on the 7th of November 1917.

Catholic Christmas Day falls on the 25th of December and is one of the biggest Christian celebrations.

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