Press releases

Belarus Events Calendar: FEBRUARY 2025

‘Echo of Modernism. From Monet to Kandinsky’ at National Center for Contemporary Arts

Modernism will echo in the National Center for Contemporary Arts through the works of Belarusian authors. The project was inspired by the landmark processes in European art of the late 19^th and early 20^th centuries, including the new view of the Impressionists on the landscape, the inner world of a person and his fears, the rethinking of the canons of bodily beauty, the avant-garde ideas of Gris, Klee and Kandinsky. Visitors will be taken on an immersive journey into the world of art of the late 19^th – early 20^th centuries. They will be offered a thematic quest around the exhibition, they will be able to see installations, a special thematic photo zone and information stands with AR technology.

When: 25 October 2024 – 7 February 2025
Where: National Center for Contemporary Arts, 47 Nezavisimosti Avenue, Minsk

Exhibition of fans in Mikhail Savitsky Art Gallery

A collection of 26 fans from the mid-18^th and early 20^th centuries from Mir Castle is on display in the former city manor that used to host social evenings and receptions in the past. The oldest item on view is a French fan of the 1760s, hand painted, carved and gilded. Visitors to the exhibition will be able to trace the history of this elegant ladies' accessory, the fashion trends of the 19^th century which are reflected in the variety of décor, design, materials and types of fans. The exposition also tells about its main functions: in addition to its direct function the fan also showed the high status of its owner, emphasizing the high position in society and wealth.

When: 13 November 2024 – 9 March 2025
Where: Mikhail Savitsky Art Gallery, 15 Svobody Square, Minsk

New Year Postcard exhibition at the National History Museum of Belarus

Winter holidays used to be the time of exchanging postcards. Later they were replaced by emails and sticker packs, but for many decades, postcards carried the most heartfelt greetings and were often kept for a lifetime. The first Christmas card was created by the English artist named ‘Dobson’ in 1794. Mass production of postcards began in England in 1843, when Sir Henry Cole came up with the idea of sending postcards instead of personal visits. The exhibition in Minsk presents enlarged copies of New Year postcards dating back to the early 20^th century from the collection of Vladimir Likhodedov, a researcher, laureate of the Spiritual Revival Award and author of the “In Search of the Lost” project.

When: 2 December 2024 – 3 February 2025
Where: National History Museum, 12 Marx Street, Minsk

When Christmas Trees Are Lighted exhibition in Nesvizh Castle

Nesvizh Castle hosts an exhibition of Christmas tree decorations from the private collection of Natalya Kovaleva. The exposition includes antique and vintage Christmas tree decorations made of glass, plastic, cotton wool, paper, sawdust composite, papier-mâché and cardboard... Among them are contemporary and Soviet items (1930s-1990s) created in various techniques and divided into thematic blocks. Visitors to the exhibition will be able to see Wartime Christmas Decorations and Toys Made in the GDR, Cotton New Year Decorations, Free-Blown Christmas Tree Decorations and decorations created in the Glinka technique. Other themes include Aeronautics and Space, Vegetables and Fruits, North Exploration, Circus, Happy Childhood...

When: 6 December 2024 – 9 February 2025
Where: Nesvizh Castle, Small Exhibition Hall

Winter Tale in the FARBA Gallery

The new exhibition project in the FARBA Gallery introduces visitors to the traditions and customs of Belarusian people. Visitors will learn about arts and crafts of our ancestors, their folklore and batleyka theater... The Winter Tale project embraces traditions and innovations: for example, the batleyka performance is projected onto the walls of the immersive hall, and artificial intelligence was used in its creation.

When: 13 December 2024 – 2 March 2025
Where: FARBA Gallery, 8 Svobody Square, Minsk

Premiere of Black Castle movie based on Vladimir Korotkevich’s novel

The Black Castle is a modern adaptation of Vladimir Korotkevich's historical detective novel ‘The Black Castle of Olshany’. Forty years have passed since its first screen adaptation: a film of the same name by director Mikhail Ptashuk was premiered in 1984. This time, screenwriter Gleb Shprigov and director Kirill Kuzin took on the task of reinterpreting the novel. Even before the official premiere in Minsk, The Black Castle won the Special Jury Prize of the Feature Film Competition and the Special Prize “Cinema without Borders” of the CIS Executive Committee at the Minsk International Film Festival Listapad 2024. According to the plot of the historical drama, young professor Anton Kosmich (Evgeny Shvarts) finds himself in trouble after an ancient gospel belonging to the Olshany family finds its way into his antique store. To save himself and unravel the secrets of the past, he goes to Olshany... The screen adaptation of one of the most famous works of Belarusian literature was attended by Anastasia Krasovskaya, Evgeny Stychkin, Evgeny Shvarts and Vitaly Kishchenko.

When: 12 December 2024 - 2 December 2025
Where: cinemas in Belarusian cities

Lev Alperovich exhibition in the National Art Museum

The exhibition dedicated to the 150^th anniversary of the birth of the outstanding painter Lev (Leiba) Alperovich presents the creative heritage of the only student of the Russian painter Ilya Repin who worked in Belarus, a professional artist, a graduate of the Higher Art School at the Academy of Arts in St. Petersburg. His art is a delicate mix of different artistic genres: Romanticism, pictorial realism of the late Peredvizhniki [The Wanderers], Impressionism, refined Art Nouveau, Symbolism and “intuitively caught expressionist anxiety”. The exhibition includes works by the artist and photographic works from the early 20^th century.

When: 30 December 2024 - 17 March 2025
Where: National Art Museum of Belarus, 20 Lenina Street, Minsk

‘Belovezhskaya Pushcha’: world's first full-length cartoon created with the help of AI 

“Belovezhskaya Pushcha” is the world's first full-length cartoon created with the help of artificial intelligence. The project of Arteki animation studio proved that with the help of neural networks it is possible to create animation 5,7 or 10 times faster than any world animation production studio. According to producer Dmitry Saksonov, “about 100 neural networks were used in the production of the cartoon,” but the music is real, and the characters were voiced by live people. This is a story about friendship, family and the power of nature, reminding that the most daring dreams can come true if you believe in them... On 1 February, the Belarus cinema house in Minsk will host a joint screening of the cartoon together with the Arteki animation studio. The audience will be able to talk to the creators, ask questions and share their impressions.

When: from 30 January - in cinemas across the country; joint viewing - 1 February, 11.00.
Where: Belarus cinema, 28a Romanovskaya Sloboda Street, Minsk

Batleika Day in the Belarusian skansen museum

Folk arts and crafts and theater art merged in a unique phenomenon of Belarusian culture - batleika. This kind of puppet theater dates back to the 16^th century and is closely connected with the Christmas holidays - hence the name: Bethlehem is the birthplace of Christ, and the theme of productions was originally religious. The the country’s first and largest skansen museum invites to the show of the Batleika puppet theater. The spectators will watch a folk performance on the religious theme “Tsar Herod” and satirical interludes. In addition, the guests will be able to buy souvenirs from folk craftsmen and visit the Belarusian Karchma [inn] on the grounds of the museum.

When: 1 February, 13.00
Where: Belarusian State Museum of Vernacular Architecture and Way of Life in the village of Ozertso, Minsk District

A new program at Belarusian circus

The Belarusian State Circus invites on a journey to a special planet called “Circus”. Audiences are expected to see a spectacular performance: the new program features acrobats, aerial gymnasts, vaulters, jugglers, clowns and tamed bears, dogs and cats. Planet Circus promises to be an unforgettable show, in which fantasy meets reality and each act will thrill the audiences.

When: 1 February - 11 May
Where: Belarusian State Circus, 32 Nezavisimosti Avenue, Minsk

Life on Stage project of Bolshoi Theater of Belarus

The project invites art lovers to see the best pieces of the Belarusian Bolshoi Theater and to meet the outstanding artists who work in the country’s main theater. Three prima ballerinas will be in the spotlight of the project: People's Artist of Belarus Irina Eromkina, Honored Artist of Belarus Lyudmila Khitrova, Honored Artist of Belarus Marina Vezhnovets. The playbill will feature three ballets - Anna Karenina, Romeo and Juliet, Illusions of Love, as well as photo exhibitions, meetings and autograph sessions with the main characters of the Bolshoi Theater’s debut project.

When:
5 February - Anna Karenina ballet staged by Olga Kostel, a meeting and an autograph session with People's Artist of Belarus Irina Eromkina;
14 February – Romeo and Juliet ballet directed by Valentin Elizariev, a meeting and an autograph session with Honored Artist of Belarus Lyudmila Khitrova;
23 February – Illusions of Love ballet by Igor Kolb, a meeting with Honored Artist of Belarus Marina Vezhnovets.

Where: Bolshoi Theater of Belarus, 1 Parizhskoi Kommuny Square, Minsk

Concert of vocal and organ music in Gomel

The world’s best pieces of vocal and organ music will be presented during the concert “Ave Maria in the Mirror of Centuries” in Gomel. The playbill features works by Bach, Karg-Elert, Bellini, Piazzolla, Schubert, Boehm, Handel, Pergolesi, Franck, Dupré, Vivaldi... The music will be performed under the arches of the Church of the Nativity of the Mother of God. The performers are the winner of the Grand Prix and laureate of international competitions, soloist of the Brest Regional Philharmonic Lyudmila Karpuk (soprano) and laureate of international competitions, organist, harpsichordist of the Belarusian State Philharmonic Varvara Tsaryuk (organ).

When: 9 February, 13:30
Where: Church of the Nativity of the Mother of God, 118 Sovetskaya Street, Gomel

“Symphony of World Cinema” from the Red Chapel Symphony Orchestra

The calling card of the Red Chapel Symphony Orchestra is a star-studded lineup of musicians from all over the country, as well as striking arrangements, thoughtful visualization and scenography. The orchestra's repertoire is meant for both adults and young listeners; it includes sound tracks from the most famous films, including Harry Potter, Avatar, Sherlock Holmes, Titanic, Schindler's List, Game of Thrones, The Great Race, The Avengers, Pirates of the Caribbean, as well as animated films Shrek, Ratatouille and many others.

When, where:
9 February - Vitebsk Concert Hall, 1 Mayakovskogo Street, Vitebsk
25 February - Grodno Regional Philharmonic, 17 Gornovykh Street, Grodno

''Marc Chagall: Universe of Love'' performance in Minsk

"I love my home town Vitebsk infinitely, not just because I was born there, but, first of all, because there I found the color of my art for the rest of my life...", said Marc Chagall, one of the greatest representatives of the world avant-garde movement of the 20^th century. The performance is based on the letters, poetry and books of the great master, which will allow the audience to learn more about the life, work and love of the artist "born between heaven and earth". And thanks to the sounds of the choir, strings, wind instruments and theremin in combination with projections of paintings, the audience will first immerse themselves in the amazing atmosphere of Vitebsk, St. Petersburg, Paris where the artist lived and then completely "fly away" into Chagall's space between reality and fantasy!

When: 13 February
Where: D-HUB art space, 22 Kuibysheva Street, Minsk

Vincent Gross & Ark Ovrutski Quartet: Love Songs. Louis Armstrong

To mark Valentine's Day outstanding vocalist, instrumentalist and showman from Baltimore (USA) Vincent Gross together with the international Ark Ovrutski Quartet will present a program of romantic hits from Louis Armstrong's repertoire. The concert will feature My Funny Valentine, What a Wonderful World, When You Smiling, Cheek To Cheek, The Nearness Of You, St James Infirmary, You Don't Know What it Means To Miss New Orleans, Hello Dolly. Vincent Gross is known for his musical versatility: his avant-garde jazz vocalizations, chants and scat improvisations combined with trumpet, cornet and flugelhorn solos let the audience enjoy his virtuoso skills. The event will also feature the equally talented Ark Ovrutski (double bass), Vladimir Nesterenko (piano) and Alessandro D'Anna (drums).

When, where:
13 February – Belarusian State Philharmonics, 50 Nezavisimosti Avenue, Minsk
14 February – Vitebsk Oblast Philharmonics, 69 Lenina Street, Vitebsk

2025 Cup of the Strongest in Raubichi

The Cup of the Strongest will gather about 80 biathletes from Belarus and Russia at the famous sports center Raubichi. The event will also feature the Russian national team and regional biathlon teams. The best athletes of the two countries will compete in ten medal events: individual race, sprint, pursuit, mass start, and mixed relay. The format is almost similar to the World Championships. There will be no classic events the Cup of the Strongest. The event will be free to access and feature family-friendly entertainment and cultural activities.

When: 15-23 February
Where: National Olympic Center Raubichi, Minsk District

Snow Maiden’s farewell to Antarctica in Belovezhskaya Pushcha National Park

The winter season in the residence of the Belarusian Father Frost in Belovezhskaya Pushcha will be wrapped up with a traditional spectacular festival – the farewell the granddaughter Snegurochka [Snow Maiden] and the family of the Belarusian wizard to Antarctica. This event is by no means sad! Visitors will see the procession of fairy-tale characters accompanied by a brass band, will take part in exciting excursions around the residence of Father Frost, and will get a chance to participate in contests and games, sing songs, do round dances, attend master classes from local craftsmen and, of course, taste Pushcha's treats. After the departure of his family - granddaughter Snow Maiden, spouse Mother Winter and daughters Vyuga, Stuzha and Metelitsa – Father Frost will have to deal with household chores in the residence alone for next nine months. There will be more of them in the near future as the Belarusian Father Frost is to get a new bigger house to welcome visitors.

When: 15 February
Where: Residence of the Belarusian Father Frost, Belovezhskaya Pushcha

Belarusian Super Cup

Belarusian champions Dinamo Minsk and Neman Grodno will compete for the trophy of the new season. For Dinamo Minsk it will be the second consecutive Super Cup match: a year ago the Minsk team lost to Torpedo-BelAZ Zhodino in a penalty shootout. The Grodno team will be competing in the event for the first time ever. The Super Cup has been held since 2010. BATE Borisov won it eight times. Dinamo Brest raised the trophy three times, and Shakhtyor Soligorsk - two times. Gomel and Torpedo-BelAZ won the event once each.

When: 22 February
Where: Grodno

Fatherland Defenders Day 2025 at Stalin Line

The historical and cultural complex Stalin Line will host festive events to mark the Day of Defenders of the Fatherland and the Armed Forces of the Republic of Belarus on 23 February. The festivities will feature “1942 - Battle for Moscow” and “Afghan War” reenactments. The event will also include canine demonstrations, the performance of the Honored Band of Belarus, the exemplary orchestra of the internal troops of the Internal Affairs Ministry. Interactive zones will offer visitors to try their hand at a historical quiz, pneumatic shooting, weapon assembling and disassembling, other master classes.

When: 22 February
Where: Historical and cultural complex Stalin Line, agro-town of Loshany, Minsk District, 20km from Minsk Ring Road, coordinates: 54.058008, 27.297148

Kolozhsky Blagovest Festival of Orthodox Music 2025

The Kolozhsky Blagovest festival has been held for over 20 years. During this time, the local festival of Orthodox music, which was established to mark the 10^th anniversary of the restoration of the Grodno Eparchy, has become an international event. The participants of the festival went through a strict selection process. One of the main features of the festival is the large number of male choirs. Besides competitive auditions, the program of the festival includes evening concerts of choir groups, a gala concert and awards ceremony in Holy Intercession Cathedral in Grodno. The festival traditionally features film screenings, thematic exhibitions, poetry and bard songs evenings. An excursion program has been prepared for the guests.

When: 23 February
Where: Holy Intercession Cathedral, 23 Eliza Ozheshko St., Grodno

Maslenitsa 2025 in Belarus

Maslenitsa is one of the most cheerful and favorite holidays of Belarusians. It signifies a symbolic farewell to the long and cold winter and a greeting of a joyful spring. Traditionally, each day of Maslenitsa Week, preceding the the Great Fast, has its own name and unique rituals: The Welcoming was on Monday. On this day Lady Maslenitsa was welcomed, fairs organized, places for folk celebrations prepared and Maslenitsa effigy made. Tuesday was for Playing. On this day single boys and girls got to know each other better. Snow fortresses were also built on this day. Wednesday was the Sweet Tooth Day. Sons-in-law visited their mothers-in-law for a pancake treat. Thursday was the Revelry/the Wide Thursday, the day when people went sledding and stormed the fortress where spring always defeated winter. Friday was the Mother-in-Law's Eve. Sons-in-law invited their mothers-in-law for pancakes they cooked themselves. Saturday was the Sister-in-Law’s Gathering. Young wives invited their husband's relatives and tried to impress them with their cooking and housekeeping skills, as well as with gifts. The Forgiveness Sunday or the Forgiveness Day was the time to ask each other for forgiveness for past deeds. Maslenitsa Week wrapped up on this day with the traditional burning of a straw effigy representing Maslenitsa.

… Following the established tradition the main dishes for Maslenitsa include pancakes and flapjacks, cheese and butter. Belarusians have attached special meaning to them since days of old. The pancakes symbolize the sun and bring the coming of spring closer while cheese and butter "attract" wealth.

In 2025, Maslenitsa in Belarus will take place from 24 February to 2 March.

Where to celebrate Maslenitsa 2025 in Belarus?

Maslenitsa festival in Sula

When: 19 February - 9 March
Where: Grand Duchy of Sula History Park, Sula, Stolbtsy District, Minsk Oblast

Maslenitsa in Berezinsky Biosphere Reserve

When: 22 February - 9 March
Where: Berezinsky Biosphere Reserve, 3 Tsentralnaya St., Domzheritsy, Lepel District, Vitebsk Oblast

Maslenitsa in Pripyatsky National Park

When: 1 March, 11.00
Where: Pripyatsky National Park, Petrikov District, Gomel Oblast.

Maslenitsa festivities in Belovezhskaya Pushcha

When: 1-2 March
Where: Belovezhskaya Pushcha, archaeological open-air museum

Alessandro Safína in Minsk: Concert with symphony orchestra

Famous Italian tenor Alessandro Safína first came to Minsk in 2012. Then the public favorite and performer of the fascinating song Luna Tu performed with the Presidential Orchestra of Belarus. Alessandro Safína combines classical and pop genres, which allows him to bring the art of opera closer to a wide audience. The tenor himself characterizes his style as "opera rock", including elements of pop music, academic vocals, soul and even musical melodies. This time Alessandro Safína will be accompanied by the symphony orchestra of the the National State Television and Radio Company of Belarus.

When: 27 February
Where: Concert Hall Minsk, 5 Oktyabrskaya St., Minsk