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Minsk

Colors of Minsk - traditions, festivals, mentality and lifestyle

Belarus, Minsk New National Library Local culture is a unique mix of pagan and Slavic traditions. Although most natives are Christians, they continue revering their ancestors’ traditions and respect pagan culture. All important city events involve old rites and rituals, while folk traditions are generally an integral part of the national culture. Speaking about pagan customs, we should definitely point out how much local citizens love and revere nature.
Staying in Minsk, travellers can visit a huge number of entertainment and sports centres as well as any of the numerous bars and clubs. Visitors to the Bronx club can not only enjoy … Open
They consider it a powerful creature able to protect as well as punish for misdeeds. Just like many years ago, citizens of modern Minsk prefer to decorate their houses with solely natural wood furniture. Besides, wicker baskets and souvenirs are widespread decorations that can be found in almost any house. Belarusians also prefer natural clothes and cloths.
As regards the citizens’ character, they are friendly and hospitable towards tourists. Many think such behaviour is a result of many centuries of communal system that naturally left its imprint on locals’ character. They are always ready to help even a complete stranger, and they do that without expecting anything in return. Copyright www.orangesmile.com
1. All large hotels, shopping malls, and restaurants accept international credit cards. If you need cash, you can get it from one of the numerous ATMs that can be found near all large … Open
The citizens are also quite reserved. It’s uncommon to see noisy arguments here—people just don’t consider it appropriate to express their feelings and emotions in public. There are a lot of holidays celebrated here, some of which are religious in character. Although they are usually celebrated with family, each holiday is accompanied by noisy celebrations around the city.
As previously mentioned, performances by folk groups are still an important part of national holidays, and they are definitely worth visiting. Minsk is a modern city that fully absorbed the culture of European countries. While staying here, travellers should follow standard etiquette rules. It will help you get along with natives. Before the trip, you can learn a few phrases in Belarusian, which will also let you emphasize your attention to and respect for local culture.
Minsk is a wonderful city that not only boasts classic cultural landmarks, but also has tons of interesting, unexplored places that few tourists are aware of. Want to walk around uncrowded, … Open
In late June, the locals and tourists pay tribute to pagan traditions and celebrate St. John the Baptist’s Day. They observe all the traditions: jump over the fire, burn a dummy, make wreaths, and sail them on the river. Two festivals are held at this time: Kupalskaje Kola and Svyata Sontsa. As a rule, Svyata Sontsa is held later for folk lovers to visit both open-air fests. Kupalskaje Kola is held in the Komarovo Country Complex, the Dukorski Maentak Museum, or the swimming center Dreamland. Svyata Sontsa is traditionally celebrated on the night of St. John the Baptist’s Day in the craft museum Dudutki located in the neighborhood of the capital of Belarus.
Island of Tears Memorial In a month (in late July), the museum complex Dudutki turns into a place to celebrate another folk festival, “Our Grunwald”. It is dedicated to the battle that took place on 15 July 1410. At that time, the troops of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and the Kingdom of Poland defeated the Teutonic Knights. The battle was the first to cause the collapse of the Order. Reconstruction clubs from different countries attend the festival too. They show all their skills in buhurts and contests. The culmination of the fest is the reproduction of the Battle of Grunwald. Here, you can watch equestrian performances by medieval traditions and visit the concert “The Feast after the Battle” given by famous headliners.
The tourists that love shopping usually start their walk around Minsk with a visit to GUM. When it opened in 1951, it had a distinctively luxurious interior design. It was this place that … Open
The lovers of folk and spectacular reenactors’ fights, as well as those who want to attend master classes or buy unique Slavic handicrafts, should visit another festival, “The Viking Route”. It is held in mid-August. Every year, the organizers of the fest choose a particular theme associated with a period called “Dark Ages”. The fest is held in the History Park and Museum named “Sula”. Winter is also not without folk festivals. One of them is the music event Kolyadny Fest that is held in late December, on Christmas Eve, in the Re:Public club.
Another attractive holiday in Minks is Maslenitsa. It is celebrated in the Museum of Folk Architecture and Rural Lifestyle that is located not far from the village of Strotchitsy in the Minsk Region. Big feasts, music shows, master classes, and fairs are just some of the interesting attributes of the pagan holiday. The culmination of the festival is the burning of a dummy that symbolizes Marena, the ancient Slavic god of death and nature at the same time.
The ancient city with an interesting history, Minsk is famous by numerous cultural centers and great atmosphere that is perfect for relaxed rest. Minsk was almost completely destroyed during … Open
After Maslenitsa, in late March, another Slavic holiday is celebrated. Gukanne Vyasny is based on the other ancient holiday, Kamoeditsa that coincides with the Christian Annunciation. It is celebrated in the same museum complex. This celebration is also not without mass feasts. In ancient times, Kamoeditsa was associated with the awakening of bears. It was believed that spring comes when bears wake up. Today, the symbol of the celebration is a stork. For the celebration, the locals make figurines of storks and hang them as high as possible. Maslenitsa and Kamoeditsa are good opportunities to learn more about local traditions.
In Belarus, the locals also love rock. Several rock festivals are held here. The most famous fest is “Rock Za Bobrov” that is annually held in early August and excites all lovers of rock and metal. Music concerts are held at Borovaya Airfield. Famous headliners from post-Soviet countries, particularly the Russian Federation, are invited. However, local bands are very interesting too. Another amazing rock fest is Nash Dzen that is held in the Museum of Folk Architecture and Rural Lifestyle in late June. The fest will let you acquaint with Belorussian rock music because mostly local musicians are invited.
In Minsk, everyone can pick entertainment for his liking. The Minsk Zoo is exceedingly popular among travelers with children. This zoo is not very big, but has a beautiful design and an … Open
In early July, Minsk-1 Airport attracts many people visiting the 21vek. Famous headliners from Russia, Poland, the Czech Republic, and Ukraine are invited to this festival. As these three festivals are open-air, it is also a great opportunity to have a good time. Those who travel with children and come to Minsk in late June should visit the Dreamland Water Park. It is not only an excellent place for family recreation. Here, the Freaky Summer Party is held. It includes entertainment programs for children, games, and contests accompanied by music.
Trade unions palace at Oktyabrskaya square Another spectacular festival in Minsk is A-fest that is traditionally held in the picturesque Loshitsky Park in early or mid-August. Here, you can see world-famous musicians, including Belorussian performers playing different music genres. Open-air Dvizg is another festival where you can enjoy electronic music and see picturesque landscapes. A club party is held in mid-August on the bank of the Zaslavsky Reservoir (that is also called the Minsk Sea by the locals). Rap, R’n’B, ambient, electro-techno, and drum’n’bass are just some of electronic music genres presented here.
Minsk - guide chapters 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

City tours, excursions and tickets in Minsk and surroundings

Reference information
Map of all castles
Survived castles around Minsk
♥   Castle 'Pischalauski' , 1.2 km from the center. On the map   Photo

National traditions of Belarus

Nevertheless, a big part of the country’s history is filled with sorrow and will eternally stay in the memory of the country’s residents. Belarus lost a quarter of its population in World War II, so every city in the country has traces of those dark times. Despite the fact that the country was significantly destroyed during the World War II period, there are still centuries-old castles and historic towns that give travelers a glimpse of Belarus during the pre-Soviet epoch. The architecture of many cities is an interesting mix of Polish, Slavic, and Soviet styles that create a truly unique result. … Open
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Traditions and festivals in cities around Minsk

Cityguide on traditions, mentality and lifestyle of people in Minsk. Learn the best periods to visit Minsk to discover its soul - authentic festivals, events and celebrations. We will also reveal the interesting habits, attitude towards the world and to tourists in Minsk.
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