Press releases

Belarus Events Calendar: September 2013

  

Kamyanitsa folk fest

Slutsk Belts exhibition

Slutsk belts are a Belarusian relic famous all over the world. These belts were created in the 18th-19th centuries at manufactories, the most famous of which was the one located in Slutsk and belonging to the Radziwill family. The belts were made to an intricate technology using silk, gold and silver threads. Back then they were part of a men’s costume being the evidence of power and wealth of their owner. Four belts will be exhibited, all dating to the late 18th to early 19th century and loaned by the Lviv History Museum. Other exhibits worth seeing are portraits of the Belarusian gentry dated by the 18th-19th centuries.

When: 8 May 2013 – 18 April 2014
Where: Minsk, National History Museum
Read more

"Resurgent Pictures" by Andrei Smolyak

An unusual art gallery has been arranged on the fence along Chelyuskintsev Park in Minsk. An extravagant Belarusian artist Andrei Smolyak and his wife Olga presented a project “Resurgent Pictures” depicting famous artists, athletes, businessmen and politicians as characters of Andrei Smolyak’s works. The project was materialized with the help of a team of professionals – designers, costume artists, make-up artists, decorators and photographers. The revived pictures portray famous Belarusian personalities, including Maxim Mirnyi, Darya Domracheva, Angelica Agurbash, Anatoly Yarmolenko, director Andrei Kureichik, Belarusian stars of the Junior Eurovision Song Contest… The artist has plans to depict Monica Belucci, supermodel Yekaterina Domankova and famous athletes.

When: 26 May-November 2013
Where: Chelyuskintsev Park, Minsk

"The Artist and the City". Exhibition of copies of Kazimir Malevich’s paintings

The project "The Artist and the City" invites Minskers and visitors of the capital to get a feel of the legacy of the great artists whose life and art were closely linked with our country. In 1919, the author of the Black Square moved to Vitebsk where he ran a studio at Marc Chagall’s art school. In 1922 Malevich finished his main theoretical work – The Non-objective World: The Manifesto of Suprematism. The open-air exposition of the copies of 18 paintings of the great avant-garde artist offers a casual atmosphere to reflect on the work of Malevich. The copies will be accompanied by notes in Belarusian, Russian and English.

When: 6 June - 20 September
Where: Yakub Kolas Square, Minsk
Details 

20th Belarusian Written Language Day in Bykhov

The national holiday Belarusian Written Language Day is celebrated every year on the first Sunday of September. Throughout the country Belarusians pay tribute to creators of the national written language, literature, and education. The celebration offers an opportunity to get in touch with ancient and modern culture of Belarus, get familiar with writers and poets, reporters and publishers. It is not accidental that the celebration coincides with the start of an academic year. A major national festival is held in towns, which are considered centers of culture, science, literature, and book printing. The celebration took place in Polotsk in 1994 for the first time, while this year the town of Bykhov, Mogilev Oblast will be the capital city of the Written Language Day. On the celebration days Bykhov will host presentations of books, literature meetings, concerts, exhibitions of souvenirs and folk festivals. A sculptural composition about 2.5 meters high will be unveiled in the old center of the town near Bykhov Castle. It is dedicated to a unique monument to the Belarusian written language — the Barkulabovo Chronicle.

When: 31 August – 1 September
Where: Bykhov, Mogilev Oblast

Exhibition of hand-made puppets Cardboard Heart by Yekaterina Pustovalova

Yekaterina Pustovalova, an artist at the Belarusian State Academic Music Theater, presents a debut exhibition of hand-made puppets. Each puppet has its own character, destiny and keeps a special secret. Behind theater drapes and stage curtains the visitors will be able to have a glimpse at a mysterious world of masks and cardboard hearts.

When: 28 June – 15 September
Where: Museum of Theater and Music History, Minsk

Joe Cocker in Minsk

Joe Cocker, the recipient of numerous awards, including Grammy, Golden Globe, and Oscar, the Officer of the Order of the British Empire, one of the most popular international singers who released 22 platinum albums will give a concert in Minsk. He sings live and easily connects with his audience. After a successful tour across Europe, the Middle East, and Latin America Joe Cocker will come to Minsk again to present his new album Fire It Up. Of course, the audience will also hear his best hits like You Can Leave Your Hat On, Unchain My Heart, Up Where We Belong…

When: 3 September
Where: Minsk Arena, Minsk

Vytautas ballet premieres in Bolshoi Theater

This will be the second ballet about the great personalities and their role in the national history since the ballet Passion (Rogneda) was staged in Belarus in the 1990s. The libretto Duke Vytautas was written by Belarusian playwright Alexei Dudarev; the ballet was choreographed and staged by People’s Artist of Belarus Yuri Troyan. The ballet covers a very controversial period of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, “the dark period” at the turn of the 14th and 15th centuries, when two brothers, dukes Vytautas and Jogaila, confronted each other in the struggle for power. The authors do not assign the play to a specific genre, but promise breathtaking battle royal and a fascinating romantic story line.

When: 5-6 September
Where: National Academic Bolshoi Opera and Ballet Theater of Belarus, Minsk

Miss Supranational 2013 in Minsk

The international beauty pageant has brought together the most beautiful girls from 80 countries, the record number of participants over the history of the Miss Supranational contest. Belarus will be represented by a 17-year student from Gomel Veronica Chachina. The show will be broadcast live in 120 countries. The international crew of directors promises a technically advanced and amazing show with numerous surprises.

When: 6 September
Where: Palace of Sports, Minsk
More details

Nicolas Nabokov music festival

The festival is timed to the 110th anniversary of the birth of outstanding composer and musician Nicolas Nabokov. He wrote America’s first ballet Union Pacific and music for the legendary Russian Seasons in Paris. He is a cousin of famous Russian writer Vladimir Nabokov. Nicolas Nabokov was born and spent his childhood in the village of Lubcha in Belarus. He grew into a talented composer who organized the Paris Festival of the 20th Century in Rome, Tokyo and Berlin, the festival East Meets West in Japan and India, and festivals of African culture. The forum will feature his best known works. His relatives and descendents will attend the festival as the guests of honor.

When: 6-7 September
When: Mir Castle, Mir, Lubcha, Grodno

Kamyanitsa folk fest

Kamyanitsa is a unique celebration of Belarusian traditions, music and arts, national cuisine. This year the two-day event will be hosted by the Belarusian Vernacular Architecture and Ethnic Heritage Museum. The festival guests will see Belarus’ largest collection of samples of authentic wooden architecture of the 18th- 20th centuries. The festival will feature performances by famous folk music artists from Belarus and abroad. Local culinary specialists will prepare delicious traditional dishes, and folk artisans will present original Belarusian souvenirs.

When: 6-7 September
Where: Belarusian Vernacular Architecture and Ethnic Heritage Museum, the village of Ozertso, Minsk District

velcom Smart Point film screenings

The project "velcom Smart Point” invites you to spend time in the company of friends in an open-air terrace, enjoy good music, and watch your favorite movies. Art lovers have already watched the masterpieces of the international cinema:  Barefoot, Prêt-a-Porter, 1+1, Cafe de Flore. The cinema marathon will conclude in September with Stanley Donen’s romantic Singin’ in the Rain, which recreates the story of Hollywood in the era of transition from silent to sound films.

When: 7 September
Where: Summer terrace, 1 Oktyabrskaya Street, Minsk

Australian circus show "Magic Ice" in Minsk

For several months the Belarusian State Circus will host the Australian grand show "Magic Ice". The audience will see the international team of professionals: repeated world figure skating champions from New Zealand, Australia and Canada. The program also includes the most spectacular circus performances: Domina Magic (Italy), a Chinese circus show, contortion (Canada), taming parrots (Russia), and an aerial acrobatics show (Belarus).

Where: Belarusian State Circus, Minsk
When: 7 September  2013 – 12 January 2014

18th International Theater Festival Belaya Vezha

For many years the international festival in Brest has been not only a big theatrical forum but also a launching pad for young directors, screenwriters, actors. Belaya Vezha (“White Tower") presents classical to experimental productions of national and foreign theaters. This year’s program highlights international, Belarusian and Polish drama. However, the festival promises the diversity of forms and genres.

When: 7-15 September
Where: Brest Academic Drama Theater, Brest
More

Minsk on Retro Postcards expo

Life breathes into the city of Minsk on vintage postcards, inviting contemporaries to make a journey through time. The exposition will feature more than 50 photocopies of postcards with Minsk landmarks of the late 19th-ealry 20th centuries. The photos will show the city’s old architecture, institutions, factories and gymnasiums which no longer exist, the first postcoach, the first car, fashionable dresses of various social classes…

When: 26 July – 8 September
Where: Minsk, Museum of the History of Minsk

Alexander Vasilyev in Vitebsk

World-renowned Russian and French fashion historian, stage designer, art critic, collector, author of popular books and articles, Honorary Member of the Russian Federation Academy of Arts and host of the TV show Fashion Verdict  Alexander Vasilyev will come to Vitebsk to read a lecture for light industry specialists and students of the Vitebsk Technological University. The lecture will be of interest not only to couturiers-to-be from Chagall’s city but also to fashion lovers.

When: 11 September
Where: Vitebsk Concert Hall
More

Masterpieces of World Organ Art concert

The organ of the Belarusian State Philharmonic Hall will play for the first time after its renovation. Fabrice Pitrois, one of the outstanding representatives of the modern French organ school, organ-player at Narbonne Cathedral, art director of the European Festival of Organ and Chamber Music, is due to visit Minsk as part of his Eastern Europe tour. Classic music amateurs will have an opportunity to enjoy Bach, Vierne, Franck, Widor, Dubois...

When: 13 September
Where: Minsk, Big Concert Hall of the Belarusian State Philharmonic Hall

7th International Choreography Festival Sozhski Karagod

The central streets of Gomel will host numerous competitions and performances. Among the participants of the festival will be amateur folk and popular dance ensembles, modern choreography and sport ballroom dancers. The festival will also feature fire dance theaters and plastic theaters Mime-2013, an international sport ballroom dance tournament Golden Lynx Gomel Cup.

When: 13 – 15 September
Where: Gomel
More

Minsk City Day

By tradition Minsk invites its residents and guests to celebrate one of its biggest events, City Day. Day-long celebrations will be held around the city, with its squares, central streets and parks becoming the main venues for plein airs, art expos, theatric and street music performances, contests, arts and crafts. The festivities will end up in a spectacular fireworks display over the Minsk City Hero Monument.

When: 14 September
Where: squares, parks, concert venues of Minsk

Town’s Day and Kvass Festival in Lida

The Belarusian town of Lida founded in the 14th century is going to mark its 690th anniversary in 2013. The town is gearing up for grandiose festivities to celebrate its anniversary together with another watershed event, the implementation of Magdeburg Rights and adoption of a coat of arms depicting a lion and crossed keys. During the celebrations a monument to Grand Duke Gediminas will be unveiled, books on the town’s history will be published and badges and a special coin will be issued. The program of the town’s day will include the traditional exhibition and presentation Lida-Region, science-to-practice conferences, contests and competitions, photo exhibitions, creative projects, a cycle race and a bike festival. An international knights tournament and the City of Artisans will be arranged near the walls of Lida Castle, too. Another highlight of the celebrations will be the Kvass Festival, which is held here because Lida is the major producer of this beverage. Guests of the festival will have an opportunity to taste different kinds of kvass, learn more about the history of this drink, its various recipes and technologies used in its production.

When: 14-15 September
Where: Lida

The 16th International Animated Film Festival Animaevka

This year Animaevka will feature a record high number of works and participants, with 170 films from 26 countries to be screened. The program of the festival is, as always, full of events, which include meetings with film directors, theatrical performances, master classes, concerts, shows and the children’s picture and ornamental art contest My Favorite Cartoon. Honored guests, directors and artists, are also expected to attend the forum. They are Larisa Glinska from Moldova, Nadezhda Slavova from Bulgaria, Russian Honored Artist Oksana Stashenko and Honored Artist of the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic Lyudmila Gnilova, who provided the voice for animated characters in more than 50 domestic and foreign cartoons.

When: 16-18 September
Where: Mogilev
More

Cirque du Soleil in Minsk

Cirque du Soleil or Circus of the Sun is an internationally recognized company, which troupe includes 5,000 people from 50 countries. Their shows boast original circus techniques of various nations and street theater elements. The new program Alegria is focused on the bedazzling mastery of acrobatics. Spectators will be able to see stuns with a flying trapeze and dynamic performance using aerial pull-up bars, captivating performance of Mongolian plasticity in combination with fiery knives…

When: 26-28 September
Where: Minsk Arena

National harvesting festival Dazhynki 2013

The ancient celebration of the end of harvest Dazhynki has evolved into a great annual festival in today’s Belarus. During the festival the best agricultural workers are honored and awarded. This year Zhlobin, a city upon the Dnepr River, has been chosen to host the festival. Apart from awarding the best workers the festival will feature concerts, exhibitions, and contests, sampling of dishes of Belarusian cuisine, fairs of craftsmen and souvenir stalls…

When: 28 September
Where: Zhlobin, Gomel Oblast

26th national running festival Yazyl Ten

The Yazyl Ten is on the international competitions calendar and unites fans of running from Belarus and neighboring countries. Competitions include various distances and several age groups, however, the top prizes will be awarded to the winner of a 10km run – Yazyl Ten. Participants and fans will be treated to contests and quizzes, a lottery, home cuisine, and meetings with fairy-tale characters.

When: 27-28 September
Where: Staryye Dorogi, Minsk Oblast

3rd international theater forum TEART 2013

Combining traditions and experiments, this year’s forum TEART will comprise three main sections. Those are the international block (France, Poland, Israel, Latvia, Germany, and Hungary), the Russian program, and a block of experimental performances staged after plays by Belarusian playwrights. Spectators will see 16 productions from eight countries. For the first time project theater will occupy a special place in the program as a topical form of creative interaction in theater space of Europe. Discussions and roundtable sessions will be held during the forum to talk over the development of modern theater, the dialogue between culture and business.

When: 28 September – 21 October
Where: Minsk
More

2nd national ecological festival Cranes and Cranberries of Miory Land

The unique celebration is dedicated to the natural richness and diversity of Miory District. It is the home of the swamp Yelnya – Belarus’ largest ground for harvesting cranberries. In late September over 4,000 grey cranes and 10,000 geese land at the swamp to rest during autumn migration. Guests of the festival will be able to watch flocks of cranes via binocular telescopes, take part in ecological games and quizzes, taste cranberry drinks and cranberry pastry, buy souvenirs from craftsmen. For the celebration the natural reserve Yelnya will offer environmental paths with educational signs while the ecological center will arrange a room imitating a swamp where visitors will be able to feel boggy ground under their feet.

When: 28-29 September
Where: Miory, Vitebsk Oblast