Press releases
Belarus Events Calendar: MARCH 2025
Exhibition of fans in Mikhail Savitsky Art Gallery
A collection of 26 fans from the mid-18th and early 20th 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 19th 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
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 150th 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 20th century.
When: 30 December 2024 - 17 March 2025
Where: National Art Museum of Belarus, 20 Lenina Street, Minsk
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
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
Fashion history exhibition in Grodno
The exhibition about fashion trends of the 19th - early 20th century calls to “Inspire. Shine. Dream”. It presents items of women's clothing, iconic examples of accessories, perfumes, cosmetics of world and domestic manufacturers. The exhibition features more than 700 items, including a “golden” court dress from the late 19th century, a necklace from the 1970s as a reflection of the universal admiration for the treasures from Tomb of Tutankhamun, and jewelry from fashion designer Hattie Carnegie, inspired by the art of ancient civilizations in Mexico. The exhibition is based on the private collection of Tatiana Fedosova. The exhibition also showcases the objects of the 19th - early 20th centuries from the collection of the Museum of the History of Religion: paintings, artistic items made of porcelain and metal, antique furniture, which is shown to visitors for the first time.
When: 23 February - 17 May
Where: Grodno State Museum of History of Religion, 16 Zamkovaya Street, Grodno
Grodno Make Merry festival
The Grodno Make Merry festival will wrap up the Pancake Week in Grodno on a colorful note. The program will be opened by a costumed parade. Several hundred participants will march from Dzerzhinskogo Street to Lenin Square that will house a concert stage for performances of numerous artists, cover bands will wrap up the evening concert program. Pavilions on Orzeszko Street and Sovietskaya Street will present each day of Pancake Week, show traditions and customs related to them. The festival will culminate with the burning of an effigy of winter in the Gilbert city park. Athletes in the power extreme sports will showcase their art on Tyzenhauz Square.
When: 1 March
Where: Dzerzhinsky St. - Lenin Square, Ozheshko Street and Sovetskaya Street, Grodno
Kazyuki Craft Fair in Grodno
Kazyuki, one of the oldest fairs in Belarus, is held annually in memory of Saint Casimir, the patron saint of youth, craftsmen and artisans. In 1604 the prince from the Jagiellon family, grandson of Jahaila and son of Casimir IV was canonized (after his death), and from that moment he began to be venerated as an intercessor of craftsmen. Traditionally, the church holiday is celebrated on 4 March, and it was the day when an active season of handicraft trade began... It is expected that this year's craft fair in the center of Grodno will bring together craftsmen from different parts of the country. Visitors will be able to attend master classes, make souvenirs as keepsakes, and purchase handmade products made of clay, leather, wood, metal, and straw. One of the most spectacular moments for visitors will be a ceremony of accepting young artisans into the Craftsmen’s Guild.
When: 1 March, 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Where: from Grodno Regional Puppet Theater to the summer stage, Grodno
Night of Owls festival in Pripyatsky National Park
The organizers of the spring festival in the Pripyatsky National Park invite you to listen to the sounds of a night forest. The guests will have an opportunity to learn more about owls at the interactive stand-up lecture and the quest ‘Flying over the owl's nest’, search for the nests of birds of prey and take a walk through the night forest along a special route. March is considered the month of love in nature. At this time you can hear the mating calls of owls, and possibly lynxes and wolves. In addition, the guests will be invited to take part in the Belarusian folk rite Calling of Spring, warm themselves at the Shrovetide bonfire and burn an effigy of Maslenitsa. The guests will be treated to dishes of Belarusian cuisine, such as Vereshchaka with dumplings and cottage cheese filled crepes.
When: 1-2 March
Where: Pripyatsky National Park, Petrikov District, Gomel Oblast
Miyazaki’s Dreams: Alisa Ten, ClassicaPlus Ensemble in Belarusian Philharmonics
Hayao Miyazaki, animator, filmmaker, screenwriter and co-founder of the world-famous Studio Ghibli, has devoted more than 60 years of his life to creating anime films. Spirited Away, Howl’s Moving Castle, Princess Mononoke, My Neighbor Totoro... His style has won the love of millions of hearts around the world and is catchable from the very start. His main characters do not leave anyone indifferent and encourage viewers to reflect on eternal themes of love and hate, family and memory, peace and war.... The multi-genre singer, composer, viola da gamba player Alisa Ten and the ClassicaPlus Ensemble will present the musical project Miyazaki's Dreams on the stage of the Belarusian Philharmonics. The concert will feature the best works from Miyazaki's animated films.
When: 2 March
Where: Belarusian Philharmonics, 50 Nezavisimosti Avenue, Minsk
Zagauliny folk festival in Kolchuny
The Zagauliny folk festival in Kolchuny is celebrated ahead of Lent (which starts on 3 March in 2025). On this day visitors will have a chance to join the theatrical folk rite Zagauliny, demonstrate their talents in the contest of folk songs, show their skills in making braids from ribbons, share their best recipes of the Belarusian cuisine, and taste home-made dishes. The festival will run late into the night, with participants expected to get a wide variety of souvenirs and treats.
When: 4 March
Where: agrotown of Kolchuny, Oshmyany District, Grodno Oblast
Anton Vasilyev and Marina Aleksandrova in Warsaw Melody
Leonid Zorin's play A Warsaw Melody, written in the mid-1960s, is a classic of Soviet dramaturgy, which stillremains much relevant. Helena, a Polish singing student, played by Marina Aleksandrova, and Victor, a trainee Russian viticulturist, performed by Anton Vasilyev, tell their poignant story about never-ending feelings, and the choice associated with them....
When: 4 March
Where: Central House of Officers, 3 Krasnoarmeiskaya Street, Minsk
Neoclassics in Planetarium
Neoclassics in the Planetarium concerts resume to mark to Women’s Day – 8 March – as part of the educational program Music and Stars. Romantic music performed by the famous Belarusian pianist and composer Filipp Shpartov combined with the cosmic atmosphere will give the listeners unforgettable impressions. Under the arches of the Minsk Planetarium the audience will enjoy the compositions by outstanding representatives of neoclassicism, famous composers of the 20th and 21st centuries - Max Richter, Alexis French, Ludovico Einaudi, Yann Tiersen and many others.
When: 6 and 7 March, 19.00
Where: Minsk Planetarium, 2 Frunze Street, Minsk
Jazz from New York in Minsk
Outstanding jazz saxophonist Mark Gross - two-time Grammy winner – has entered the history of world music, performing in the orchestras of Duke Ellington and Charles Mingus. His unique style and inimitable artistry have brought Mark Gross worldwide fame and the title of one of the most recognizable saxophonists on the planet. He has four albums to his credit: Preach Daddy, Riddle of the Sphinx, Blackside, Mark Gross + Strings. To mark International Women's Day Mark Gross will present a program of jazz hits of the 1950-1960s. The event will feature Ark Ovrutski (double bass), Vladimir Nesterenko (piano) and Alessandro D'Anna (drums).
When: 6 March
Where: Belarusian Philharmonics, 50 Nezavisimosti Avenue, Minsk
8 March - International Women's Day in Belarus
International Women's Day, established in 1857 in honor of women's solidarity in the struggle for their rights and emancipation, is now celebrated as a national holiday in 24 countries, including Belarus. Women's Day in Belarus is also considered a holiday of spring, beauty, tenderness, warmth and attention to women regardless of their status and age. Congratulations and words of gratitude are addressed to the beautiful half of humanity for their creative labor, love and spiritual generosity. Festive events marking 8 March are held across the country. The Belarusian capital offers a number of great concerts:
7 March, 18:00 – Bachelorette Party show, Palace of the Republic
7 March, 18:30 – Mama is By Your Side concert at the Youth Variety Theater
7 March, 19:00 – Spring is Coming program by Tatiana Starchenko at the Upper City Concert Hall
8 March, 15:00, 18:00 – The Most Womanly Day show at the Youth Variety Theater
8 March, 19:00 – What They Sing About on 8 March concert at the Minsk Concert Hall
8 March, 18:00 – concert for International Women's Day, Belarusian State Musical Theater
9 March, 18:30 – Flower Girls concert at the Bolshoi Theater of Belarus starring Tatyana Gavrilova and Olga Zapolskaya, Aleksandrovskaya Chamber Hall
Beauty Run 2024: Minsk, Brest, Gomel
Women and girls will gather for the Beauty Run to mark International Women's Day. This time the event will take place not only in the Belarusian capital, but also in Brest and Gomel. Taking part in the 3km race will be runners aged 12 and older. In Minsk, the run will start and finish at the Yunost Hockey Club in Gorky Park. The winners of the race will be awarded prizes; the fastest in each age category - up to 30 years old, 31-40, 41-50, 51-60, 61-70, over 70 years old - will also receive prizes.
When: 7 and 8 March
Where: Minsk, Brest, Gomel
Carmen by Barcelona Flamenco Ballet
The Barcelona Flamenco Ballet, founded by Catalan dancer and choreographer David Gutiérrez in 2017, popularizes Catalan art and culture. The troupe has toured over 40 countries on all continents. On the Belarusian stage, the artists will present an unorthodox interpretation of the novel by Prosper Mérimée and the opera by Georges Bizet. The artists will tell the story of gypsy Carmen and bullfighter Escamillo using the language of flamenco that perfectly conveys emotions and passions of the main characters. The production defies the generally accepted concept and is adapted to modern realities. Carmen sends the message of freedom and courage in a world where women are relentlessly fighting for their rights.
When, where:
10 March – Gomel Regional Community Center, 17 Lange Street, Gomel
11 March – Central Officers' House, 3 Krasnoarmeyskaya Street, Minsk
Minsk International Book Fair
One of the CIS major book fairs is a showcase event for Belarus’ book industry. The main theme of the fair this year will be the 80th anniversary of the Victory of the Soviet people in the Great Patriotic War. The central exhibitor will be the collective stand of the EAEU member states. The program will include thematic days of Belarus, Russia, Armenia, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. In line with a tradition, there will be international and educational quarters, the international symposium of writers Writer and Time, an award ceremony for winners of the national competition The Art of the Book and the competition of young writers Pershatsvet, as well as presentations, autograph sessions, meetings with authors, and master classes.
When: 12–16 March (10:00–19:00)
Where: Exhibition center, 14 Pobeditelei Avenue, Minsk
More
Crazy Life of Salvador Dalí performance
A surreal biographical fantasy performance about the life and work of the outstanding artist Salvador Dalí will be presented by actors from the Sergei Yankovsky Theater (St. Petersburg) - Maria Berseneva, Sergei Yankovsky, Alexander Golubkov. This is the story of the all-consuming love of the most eccentric artist of his time for the muse Gala Éluard who gave him inspiration and sense of purpose for many years. The audience will be taken on a journey of Dalí’s professional and personal growth, his attempts to find himself and his signature style, to explore the depths of the subconscious without going insane...
When, where:
12 March - Mogilev Regional Creativity Center, 23A Mira Avenue, Mogilev
13 March - Neftyanik Community Center, 38 Sovetskaya Street, Rechitsa
14 March - Railway Workers' Community Center, 2A Nekrasova Street, Vitebsk
15 March - Brest Regional Community Center, 1 Kommunisticheskaya Street, Brest
Youth theater forum М.@rt.contact in Mogilev
The 18th International Youth Theater Forum М.@rt.contact will kick off in Mogilev on 20 March and will last eight days. It is a center of attraction for directors, actors, critics and, certainly, art lovers. During its history, the forum has become one of the most anticipated cultural events in Belarus. This year’s forum program includes about two dozen performances from theaters of Moscow, St. Petersburg, Vologda, Orel, Orsk, Lugansk, Minsk, Gomel, Brest, Bobruisk and other cities. The variety of genres is impressive, ranging from vaudeville and musical comedies to historical, detective and mystical dramas.
When: 20-27 March
Where: Mogilev Oblast Drama Theater, Mogilev Puppet Theater, Mogilev Concert Hall
Roman Viktyuk's performance in Minsk
The Maids performance marks its 30th anniversary thanks to its innovative aesthetics, which was a breakthrough in Russian theater history in the 1980s. Roman Viktyuk is well-known for his extraordinary performances. He is an outstanding director whose name is listed among the 50 most influential people of the second half of the 20th century. The Maids, based on the play of the same name by French playwright Jean Genet, was no exception. This hypnotic performance combines choreography, vocal and complex movements. It is a gripping psychological thriller, which tells the story of housemaids Solange and Claire, who admire and hate their Madame.
When: 21 March
Where: Minsk Concert Hall, 5 Oktyabrskaya Street, Minsk
Saraki spring rite in Kostyukovichi district
Saraki is one of the most vibrant and unforgettable spring holidays. It was considered the second meeting of spring. It is celebrated between the feasts of Candlemas and the Annunciation on 22 March. Nowadays, children are the main participants of this rite, and its key attribute is birds made of dough. According to tradition, participants call for spring, dance in circles, sing songs, play traditional spring games, ride on swings, and hang ribbons on trees to make wishes come true.
When: 22 March
Where: Seletskoe agro-town, Kostyukovichi district, Mogilev Oblast
International health & beauty expo InterStyle 2025
The 23th international specialized professional exhibition InterStyle will bring together Belarusian and foreign professionals of hairdressing, makeup, SPA and cosmetology, nail service and brow design. It is the only platform to share expertise with colleagues, explore new fashion trends, best materials and cosmetics. The exhibition will feature the international beauty festival WIND ROSE HAIR, showings of Belarusian designers, contests and workshops from the participants.
When: 26-29 March
Where: Exhibition pavilion, 14 Pobediteley Ave., Minsk
Theater Night project in Slonim
The World Theater Day, which is celebrated on 27 March, traditionally provides residents and visitors of Slonim with an opportunity to see a night performance. This year the Slonim Drama Theater is also inviting everyone to celebrate the 35th anniversary of its founding. The history of theater development in Slonim began several centuries ago, with the Jesuit College Theater (1744-1769) and the famous theater (1771-1791) of Hetman Michal Kazimierz Oginski of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. Art lovers will discover the world behind the scenes. Prop masters, lighting technicians and costume designers will share the secrets of their craft, the results of which we see during the theatrical performance. The feature of this year’s event will be a total white dress code.
When: 27 March
Where: Slonim Drama Theater, 13-4 Lenin Square, Slonim, Grodno Oblast
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