festivites
Here are some of the major holidays and festivals celebrated in Belarus:
1. Independence Day - Celebrated on July 3rd, this holiday marks Belarus' independence from the Soviet Union in 1944. It is a nationwide public holiday featuring concerts, parades, fireworks, and other festivities.
2. Orthodox Christmas - Celebrated on January 7th, this holiday commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ according to the Julian calendar. In Belarus, it is typically celebrated with church services, family gatherings, and traditional foods.
3. Maslenitsa - This week-long festival, which falls in February or March, marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring. It is characterized by feasting, dancing, and the burning of effigies to symbolize the passing of winter.
4. Victory Day - Celebrated on May 9th, this holiday commemorates the victory of the Soviet Union over Nazi Germany in World War II. It is marked by military parades, wreath-laying ceremonies, and fireworks displays.
5. Kupalle - Also known as Ivan Kupala Day, this ancient pagan holiday is celebrated on June 21st or 22nd, coinciding with the summer solstice. It involves bonfires, flower wreaths, and traditional folk games and rituals, including jumping over fires and searching for the mystical fern flower.
6. Radunitsa - This Orthodox holiday, which typically falls in April, is a day of remembrance for the dead. Families visit cemeteries to clean and decorate graves, and share food and drink with relatives and friends.
7. Women's Day - Celebrated on March 8th, this holiday honors women and their contributions to society. It is customary to give flowers or small gifts to the women in one's life, and many organizations hold special events or performances.
These holidays and festivals offer a glimpse into Belarusian culture and traditions, and are often celebrated with great enthusiasm and joy throughout the country.
seasons
Belarus has four seasons:
1. Spring (March to May): The weather starts to warm up, and the trees and flowers begin to bloom. The best time for outdoor activities such as hiking and cycling.
2. Summer (June to August): The peak tourist season with lots of events and festivals. The weather is warm and sunny, perfect for exploring the cities and countryside.
3. Autumn (September to November): The weather gets cooler, and the trees change color, making for beautiful scenery. Good for cultural tourism and visiting museums.
4. Winter (December to February): Cold and snowy weather, with opportunities for winter sports like skiing and ice skating. Christmas markets are also popular during this time.
Recommendations:
- Spring and autumn are the best times for budget travelers as prices are lower and there are fewer crowds.
- Summer is the busiest season, so book accommodations and tickets in advance.
- Winter can be very cold, so make sure to bring warm clothing.
visa
Citizens of most countries require a visa to enter Belarus. Some special visa rules for certain country citizens include:
1. Citizens of the European Union, Switzerland, and some other countries can apply for a five-day visa-free entry if they arrive and depart through Minsk National Airport.
2. Citizens of Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Armenia can enter Belarus without a visa and stay for up to 90 days.
3. Citizens of Vietnam, Haiti, Gambia, India, Lebanon, Namibia, and Samoa are eligible for visa-free travel to Belarus for up to 30 days.
The cost of a visa to Belarus varies depending on the type of visa and nationality of the applicant. For example, the fee for a single-entry tourist visa for citizens of the United States is $160, while citizens of the United Kingdom pay £85. It's best to check with the nearest Belarusian embassy or consulate for current visa fees and requirements.
souvenirs
Here are some popular souvenirs to buy from Belarus, along with their average prices and recommended buying locations:
1. Linen products (tablecloths, napkins, towels) - Prices vary depending on size and quality, but expect to pay around $15-30 USD. Best places to buy: Komarovka market in Minsk, souvenir shops in Nesvizh.
2. Woodcarvings (figures, spoons, boxes) - Prices range from $5-50 USD. Best places to buy: Vernissage market in Minsk, souvenir shops in Mir Castle.
3. Vodka - Prices vary depending on brand and size, but expect to pay around $10-20 USD for a standard bottle. Best places to buy: Supermarkets like Euroopt, Kirmash markets.
4. Amber jewelry - Prices start from $10 USD for small pieces. Best places to buy: GUM Department Store in Minsk, souvenir shops in Grodno.
5. Matryoshka dolls - Prices depend on size and complexity, ranging from $5-50 USD. Best places to buy: souvenir shops in Brest, Nesvizh Castle.
Note: Prices are approximate and may vary depending on location and vendor.
If you have 1 week
Thank you for letting me know your location. Belarus is a beautiful country with a rich history and culture. Here is an itinerary suggestion for a one-week trip:
Day 1: Start your trip in Minsk, the capital city of Belarus. Visit the Independence Square, which is the heart of the city and has many significant buildings and monuments. You can also visit the Belarusian State Museum of the Great Patriotic War, which is a must-see attraction that tells the story of Belarus during World War II.
Day 2: Take a day trip to Mir Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located about 100 km southwest of Minsk. This medieval castle was built in the 16th century and is a beautiful example of Gothic and Renaissance architecture. The castle has been restored to its former glory and now houses a museum.
Day 3: Explore Brest, a city located in southwestern Belarus near the border with Poland. Visit the Brest Fortress, a historic site that commemorates the Soviet resistance against Nazi Germany during World War II. The fortress has several museums, monuments, and exhibitions that provide insight into the harsh realities of war.
Day 4: Visit Nesvizh, a town located about 120 km southwest of Minsk. This town is home to the magnificent Nesvizh Castle, which is another UNESCO World Heritage Site. The castle dates back to the 16th century and has beautiful gardens, lakes, and fountains.
Day 5: Take a short trip to Braslav Lakes National Park, which is located in the northwestern part of Belarus. This park has over 30 lakes and several nature trails that offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape. You can also visit the Museum of Traditional Crafts and Technologies, which showcases the traditional way of life in Belarus.
Day 6: Return to Minsk and explore the city's vibrant art scene. Visit the National Art Museum of Belarus, which has a collection of over 30,000 works of art from different time periods. You can also visit the Museum of Modern Art, which showcases contemporary art by Belarusian and international artists.
Day 7: End your trip by visiting the Belovezhskaya Pushcha National Park, which is located on the border between Poland and Belarus. This park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to the last remaining primeval forest in Europe. You can take a guided tour through the forest and see bison, wolves, and other animals that call this park home.
I hope you find this itinerary helpful and enjoy your trip to Belarus!
If you have 2 weeks
It's great to hear that you're interested in a two-week itinerary! Here are some suggestions on what, how and why you should visit these places:
1. Minsk: As the capital city of Belarus, Minsk offers a unique blend of history and modernity. You can start by visiting Independence Square, which is home to the iconic Independence Palace and Victory Monument. Take a stroll along the Svisloch River and explore the Old Town area, where you'll find historical landmarks such as the Holy Spirit Cathedral and the Church of Saints Simon and Helena. If you're interested in art, check out the National Art Museum of Belarus or attend a performance at the Bolshoi Theater.
2. Mir Castle: Located about 100 km southwest of Minsk, Mir Castle is a beautiful example of Gothic architecture dating back to the 16th century. The castle features towers, drawbridges, and a moat, and it has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
3. Brest Fortress: Situated near the Polish border, the Brest Fortress played a significant role in World War II. Today, it serves as a symbol of heroism and resistance. The fortress also includes a museum, where you can learn more about its history.
4. Nesvizh Palace: Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, Nesvizh Palace is a stunning example of Baroque architecture. The palace boasts elegant gardens, fountains, and several museums inside, including the Museum of Belarusian Polesie.
5. Belovezhskaya Pushcha National Park: This nature reserve covers an area of over 1500 square kilometers and is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including European bison. Take a guided tour through the park to learn about its ecosystems and wildlife.
Why you should visit these places? Each of these locations provides a unique glimpse into Belarusian history, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you're interested in exploring the country's historical landmarks or immersing yourself in nature, there's something for everyone. These destinations will show you the beauty of Belarus and provide an unforgettable experience.
Culture
The Belarusian government sponsors annual cultural festivals such as the Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk, which showcases Belarusian performers, artists, writers, musicians, and actors. Several state holidays, such as Independence Day and Victory Day, draw big crowds and often include displays such as fireworks and military parades, especially in Vitebsk and Minsk. The government's Ministry of Culture finances events promoting Belarusian arts and culture both inside and outside the country.
Belarusian literature began with 11th- to 13th-century religious scripture, such as the 12th-century poetry of Cyril of Turaw.
By the 16th century, Polotsk resident Francysk Skaryna translated the Bible into Belarusian. It was published in Prague and Vilnius sometime between 1517 and 1525, making it the first book printed in Belarus or anywhere in Eastern Europe. The modern era of Belarusian literature began in the late 19th century; one prominent writer was Yanka Kupala. Many Belarusian writers of the time, such as Uładzimir Žyłka, Kazimir Svayak, Yakub Kolas, Źmitrok Biadula, and Maksim Haretski, wrote for Nasha Niva, a Belarusian-language paper published that was previously published in Vilnius but now is published in Minsk.
After Belarus was incorporated into the Soviet Union, the Soviet government took control of the Republic's cultural affairs. At first, a policy of "Belarusianization" was followed in the newly formed Byelorussian SSR. This policy was reversed in the 1930s, and the majority of prominent Belarusian intellectuals and nationalist advocates were either exiled or killed in Stalinist purges. The free development of literature occurred only in Polish-held territory until Soviet occupation in 1939. Several poets and authors went into exile after the Nazi occupation of Belarus and would not return until the 1960s.
The last major revival of Belarusian literature occurred in the 1960s with novels published by Vasil Bykaŭ and Uladzimir Karatkievich. An influential author who devoted his work to awakening the awareness of the catastrophes the country has suffered, was Ales Adamovich. He was named by Svetlana Alexievich, the Belarusian winner of the Nobel Prize in Literature 2015, as "her main teacher, who helped her to find a path of her own".
Music in Belarus largely comprises a rich tradition of folk and religious music. The country's folk music traditions can be traced back to the times of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. In the 19th century, Polish composer Stanisław Moniuszko composed operas and chamber music pieces while living in Minsk. During his stay, he worked with Belarusian poet Vintsent Dunin-Martsinkyevich and created the opera Sialanka (Peasant Woman). At the end of the 19th century, major Belarusian cities formed their own opera and ballet companies. The ballet Nightingale by M. Kroshner was composed during the Soviet era and became the first Belarusian ballet showcased at the National Academic Vialiki Ballet Theatre in Minsk.
After the Second World War, music focused on the hardships of the Belarusian people or on those who took up arms in defense of the homeland. During this period, Anatoly Bogatyrev, creator of the opera In Polesye Virgin Forest, served as the "tutor" of Belarusian composers. The National Academic Theatre of Ballet in Minsk was awarded the Benois de la Dance Prize in 1996 as the top ballet company in the world. Rock music has become increasingly popular in recent years, though the Belarusian government has attempted to limit the amount of foreign music aired on the radio in favor of traditional Belarusian music. Since 2004, Belarus has been sending artists to the Eurovision Song Contest.
Marc Chagall was born in Liozna (near Vitebsk) in 1887. He spent the World War I years in Soviet Belarus, becoming one of the country's most distinguished artists and a member of the modernist avant-garde and was a founder of the Vitebsk Arts College.
The traditional Belarusian dress originates from the Kievan Rus' period. Due to the cool climate, clothes were designed to conserve body heat and were usually made from flax or wool. They were decorated with ornate patterns influenced by the neighboring cultures: Poles, Lithuanians, Latvians, Russians, and other European nations. Each region of Belarus has developed specific design patterns. One ornamental pattern common in early dresses currently decorates the hoist of the Belarusian national flag, adopted in a disputed referendum in 1995.
Belarusian cuisine consists mainly of vegetables, meat (particularly pork), and bread. Foods are usually either slowly cooked or stewed. Typically, Belarusians eat a light breakfast and two hearty meals later in the day. Wheat and rye bread are consumed in Belarus, but rye is more plentiful because conditions are too harsh for growing wheat. To show hospitality, a host traditionally presents an offering of bread and salt when greeting a guest or visitor.
Belarus has competed in the Olympic Games since the 1994 Winter Olympics as an independent nation. Receiving heavy sponsorship from the government, ice hockey is the nation's second most popular sport after football. The national football team has never qualified for a major tournament; however, BATE Borisov has played in the Champions League. The national hockey team finished fourth at the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics following a memorable upset win over Sweden in the quarterfinals and regularly competes in the World Championships, often making the quarterfinals. Numerous Belarusian players are present in the Kontinental Hockey League in Eurasia, particularly for Belarusian club HC Dinamo Minsk, and several have also played in the National Hockey League in North America. The 2014 IIHF World Championship was hosted in Belarus and the 2021 IIHF World Championship was supposed to be co-hosted in Latvia and Belarus but it was cancelled due to widespread protests and security concerns. The 2021 UEC European Track Championships in cycling was also cancelled because Belarus was not considered a safe host.
Darya Domracheva is a leading biathlete whose honours include three gold medals at the 2014 Winter Olympics. Tennis player Victoria Azarenka became the first Belarusian to win a Grand Slam singles title at the Australian Open in 2012. She also won the gold medal in mixed doubles at the 2012 Summer Olympics with Max Mirnyi, who holds ten Grand Slam titles in doubles.
Other notable Belarusian sportspeople include cyclist Vasil Kiryienka, who won the 2015 Road World Time Trial Championship, and middle-distance runner Maryna Arzamasava, who won the gold medal in the 800m at the 2015 World Championships in Athletics. Andrei Arlovski, who was born in Babruysk, Byelorussian SSR, is a current UFC fighter and the former UFC heavyweight champion of the world.
Belarus is also known for its strong rhythmic gymnasts. Noticeable gymnasts include Inna Zhukova, who earned silver at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Liubov Charkashyna, who earned bronze at the 2012 London Olympics and Melitina Staniouta, Bronze All-Around Medalist of the 2015 World Championships. The Belorussian senior group earned bronze at the 2012 London Olympics.
* Country code: .by
The state telecom monopoly, Beltelecom, holds the exclusive interconnection with Internet providers outside of Belarus. Beltelecom owns all the backbone channels that linked to the Lattelecom, TEO LT, Tata Communications (former Teleglobe), Synterra, Rostelecom, Transtelekom and MTS ISPs. Beltelecom is the only operator licensed to provide commercial VoIP services in Belarus.
Belarus has four UNESCO-designated World Heritage Sites: the Mir Castle Complex, the Nesvizh Castle, the Belovezhskaya Pushcha (shared with Poland), and the Struve Geodetic Arc (shared with nine other countries).
Demographics
The name Belarus is closely related with the term Belaya Rus, i.e., White Rus. There are several claims to the origin of the name White Rus ' . An ethno-religious theory suggests that the name used to describe the part of old Ruthenian lands within the Grand Duchy of Lithuania that had been populated mostly by Slavs who had been Christianized early, as opposed to Black Ruthenia, which was predominantly inhabited by pagan Balts. An alternative explanation for the name comments on the white clothing worn by the local Slavic population. A third theory suggests that the old Rus' lands that were not conquered by the Tatars (i.e., Polotsk, Vitebsk and Mogilev) had been referred to as White Rus'. A fourth theory suggests that the color white was associated with the west, and Belarus was the western part of Rus in the 9th to 13th centuries.
The name Rus is often conflated with its Latin forms Russia and Ruthenia, thus Belarus is often referred to as White Russia or White Ruthenia. The name first appeared in German and Latin medieval literature; the chronicles of Jan of Czarnków mention the imprisonment of Lithuanian grand duke Jogaila and his mother at "Albae Russiae, Poloczk dicto" in 1381. The first known use of White Russia to refer to Belarus was in the late-16th century by Englishman Sir Jerome Horsey, who was known for his close contacts with the Russian royal court. During the 17th century, the Russian tsars used White Rus to describe the lands added from the Grand Duchy of Lithuania.
The term Belorussia (Белору́ссия, the latter part similar but spelled and stressed differently from Росси́я, Russia) first rose in the days of the Russian Empire, and the Russian Tsar was usually styled "the Tsar of All the Russias", as Russia or the Russian Empire was formed by three parts of Russia—the Great, Little, and White. This asserted that the territories are all Russian and all the peoples are also Russian; in the case of the Belarusians, they were variants of the Russian people.
After the Bolshevik Revolution in 1917, the term White Russia caused some confusion, as it was also the name of the military force that opposed the red Bolsheviks. During the period of the Byelorussian SSR, the term Byelorussia was embraced as part of a national consciousness. In western Belarus under Polish control, Byelorussia became commonly used in the regions of Białystok and Grodno during the interwar period.
The term Byelorussia (its names in other languages such as English being based on the Russian form) was only used officially until 1991. Officially, the full name of the country is Republic of Belarus (Рэспубліка Беларусь, Республика Беларусь, Respublika Belarus ). In Russia, the usage of Belorussia is still very common.
In Lithuanian, besides Baltarusija (White Russia), Belarus is also called Gudija. The etymology of the word Gudija is not clear. By one hypothesis the word derives from the Old Prussian name Gudwa, which, in turn, is related to the form Żudwa, which is a distorted version of ''Sudwa, Sudovia. Sudovia'', in its turn, is one of the names of the Yotvingians. Another hypothesis connects the word with the Gothic Kingdom that occupied parts of the territory of modern Belarus and Ukraine in the 4th and 5th centuries. The self-naming of Goths was Gutans and Gytos, which are close to Gudija. Yet another hypothesis is based on the idea that Gudija in Lithuanian means "the other" and may have been used historically by Lithuanians to refer to any people who did not speak Lithuanian.
Cities:
