Press releases

Belarus Events Calendar: February 2014

International sled dog race Zavirukha 2014

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
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Exhibition of national treasures in Minsk

The National History Museum of Belarus invites those who are interested in history and numismatics to attend the exhibition “Bank BelVEB: New life of national treasures” dedicated to the Belarusian heritage. The exposition features rare exhibits from 26 collections of the museum, including the unique coin of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania - penyaz dating back to the late 14th - early 15th centuries, the porcelain from the famous Order service, rare documents of the 16th century, and Russian icons of the 19th century… The violin made by Giovanni Paolo Maggini in 1596 is the central piece of the music collection.

When: 6 December – 5 February
Where: National History Museum of Belarus, Minsk

Spirit of Times and Luxury: Fashion and Style of 1820-1920

Unique items from the private collection of designer Igor Surmachevsky are on display at the splendid halls of Mir Castle. The exhibition features clothes, shoes, and accessories that were an integral part of the image of a woman in 1820-1920. For example, evening gowns, ball dresses, and even wedding gowns reflecting the European fashion trends that prevailed a century ago are currently on display at the Ivory Hall of Mir Castle…

When: 20 December 2013 – 30 May 2014
Where: Grodno Oblast, Mir Castle

Vladimir Sharkov’s Expo Memory Diaries

The exposition features 34 masterpieces of outstanding Belarusian artist Vladimir Sharkov. In his works the artist combines the lithography traditions of the times of Napoleon Orda and emotional expressiveness of painting. Visitors will have a chance to take a fascinating journey through history, and also see famous architectural specimens of Belarus – Mir Castle, Nesvizh Castle, Lida Castle, Krevo Castle, Minsk Holy Spirit Cathedral, St Francis Xavier Church in Nesvizh and many others.

When: 27 January – 27 February
Where: Italian World Art Gallery, Minsk

Hippopotamus Show in Belarusian State Circus

The world’s only animal tamer who works with several hippos at once, People’s Artist of Russia Tofik Akhundov will present his grand program for the first time in the Belarusian capital. It will be an inimitable performance, with some of the planet’s largest animals surprising spectators with complicated stunts and unbelievable pirouettes. The hippos will play leapfrog, build “a pyramid”, turn on their backs, and even waltz…

When: 31 January – 28 February
Where: Belarusian State Circus, Minsk
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Rock Opera Juno and Avos in Minsk

Artists of Alexei Rybnikov’s theater will present the legendary rock opera based on Andrei Voznesensky’s poetry. Theater-goers fell in love with the performance thanks to Mark Zakharov’s show staged in the Moscow theater Lenkom, with famous actors Nikolai Karachentsov and Yelena Shanina starring. The touching and tragic story of love between Russian count Nikolai Rezanov and Conchita, a daughter of the San Francisco governor, is still topical years later…

When: 1, 2 February
Where: Palace of the Republic, Minsk

Valery Meladze in Minsk

Valery Meladze, one of the most successful and vocally gifted Russian-language singers, will come to Minsk on his tour, 20 Stories of Love. Accompanied by the Presidential Orchestra of the Republic of Belarus, Valery Meladze will perform his best love ballads on Belarus’ biggest stage …

When: 1 February
Where: Minsk Arena, Minsk

21st Minsk International Book Fair

One of the biggest forums in the Belarusian capital will gather leading book publishers from 26 countries who are expected to display the main trends and novelties of the contemporary book market. This year a special emphasis will be placed on the Belarusian book publishing industry. A separate stand will feature the works of the Belarusian classics, books of contemporary poets and prose writers. The program of the exhibition will also include seminars, roundtables, book presentations and meetings with authors, publishers and artists…

When: 5-9 February
Где: BelExpo exhibition center, Minsk
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First International Festival of Illusionists

Illusionists from Belarus, Russia, Ukraine, Lithuania, and Latvia will gather in Grodno for the first international festival Magic Show. Competitions will be held in three nominations: Card Tricks, Micromagic and Salon Magic. About 70 world-renowned artists, including prominent illusionists of Belarus, such as prize-holder of international competitions in Monte Carlo and Baden-Baden Piotr Stasevich and silver medalist of the festival in Japan Vasily Trunov, will demonstrate their skills in gala concerts. Outstanding illusionists from around the world will hold seminars, lectures and master classes for beginners…

When: 8-9 February
Where: Grodno Regional Drama Theater, Grodno
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International Winter Festival Zavirukha 2014

The international winter bike festival will bring together extreme sports lovers from several countries. The spectators will be treated to breathtaking races on four-wheelers, scramblers, sidecar motorcycles, trikes, as well as orienteering on four-wheelers and drag racing. One of the most anticipated events of the festival will be auto battles that will include full contact of the cars.

When: 14-16 February
Where: Brigantina sports and recreation center of the Belarusian State University, Radoshkovichi, Molodechno Distinct

3rd International Festival Vladimir Spivakov Invites

One of the most prominent contemporary musicians and conductors Vladimir Spivakov will gather the stars of the global stage in Minsk for the 3rd edition of the International Festival Vladimir Spivakov Invites. Classics connoisseurs will get a chance to enjoy performances of opera singer Dmitry Khvorostovsky, brilliant pianist Arkady Volodos, soloists of the Bolshoi Theater and Mariinsky Theater Anna Aglatova, Vasily Gerello, and Oleg Kulko. The ballet evening will treat the audience to masterpieces of modern choreography by dancers of the world’s leading theaters from New York, London, Munich, Berlin… 

18 February
Opening ceremony. Dmitry Khvorostovsky’s concert, Palace of the Republic
21 February
Vladimir Spivakov – Bach’s Hour, Belarusian State Philharmonic Hall
22 February
Arkady Volodos’ concert, Belarusian State Philharmonic Hall
25 February
World Ballet Stars gala concert, Palace of the Republic
28 February
Closing ceremony. A concert of the soloists of the Bolshoi Theater and Mariinsky Theater, Belarusian State Philharmonic Hall
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13th International Orthodox Church Music Festival Kolozha Chime

Pure voices, soulful melodies and unique singing traditions can be heard and seen at the biggest international Orthodox Church Music Festival Kolozha Chime in Grodno, Belarus. The festival will gather about 40 church and secular companies from Russia, Ukraine, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Armenia, France and Lithuania. The program of the forum will also include thematic exhibitions, cinema lectures, poetry and music soirees, and the presentation of a book dedicated to the history of orthodox motets.

When: 19 – 22 February
Where: Grodno
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International sled dog race Zavirukha 2014

Taking part in the 2014 edition of the international sled dog race will be mushers from Belarus, Russia, Ukraine, Poland, the Baltic States and Scandinavia. The event offers viewers a great opportunity to spend quality time with their families. The spectators will see rare Nordic dog breeds, including the Siberian Husky, Alaskan Malamute, Samoyed, and Eskimo dog. The program of the festival features ski races, a competition of mushers and various shows. The visitors to the festival are promised breathtaking performances, a lot of fun activities, numerous competitions and surprises…

When: 22-23 January
Where: roller ski track, FC Minsk, 22 Pobeditelei Avenue, Minsk

Pike Luck 2014 Sport Fishing Competition

The annual festival in the famous Braslav Lakes National Park will bring together experienced anglers and fishing enthusiasts from Belarus, Lithuania, Latvia and Russia. Participants will compete for titles and awards in the categories "Pike luck", "Bream and others are fish too" and other categories... Guests will be able to watch the competition in open air and also eat a delicious lunch made of fresh fish.

When: February
Where: National Park Braslav Lakes, Braslav District, Vitebsk Oblast

Shrovetide in Belarus

The folk rite which dates back to distant times of paganism is celebrated in Belarus one week prior to the Lent and heralds the end of winter and the beginning of spring. The major symbol of this holiday is the sun, which is why people make a traditional Shrovetide dish, pancakes. The Shrovetide week will be packed with open air celebrations, various theater performances, shows, folk music concerts, puppet theater shows and sporting competitions. Delicious pancakes and tea will be offered to guests everywhere.

When: 24 February - 2 March
Where: Squares and parks of Belarusian cities, ethnographic complexes and open-air museums and ski resorts

Backstreet Boys in Minsk

The American boys band Backstreet Boys gained recognition after the release of their debut album bearing the same name, which achieved a gold and platinum status in 38 countries. For the first time in many years the entire band will reunite and come to Minsk as part of their promotional world tour for the new album In a World Like This.

When: 24 February
Where: Palace of Sport, Minsk

Evening with Vladimir Menshov in Minsk

Film director, actor, script writer, and producer Vladimir Menshov is famous for his movies Moscow Does Not Believe in Tears and Love and Pigeons, wonderful specimens of Soviet cinematography. The director of the Oscar-winning movie will tell the audience about his plans, the parts that he had played, and, probably, will reveal his recipe for success in the film industry. 

When: 25 February
Where: Congress Hall of the President Hotel, Minsk

Chulpan Khamatova in Minsk

One of the most popular Russian actresses Chulpan Khamatova will recite prose and poems by brilliant female poets Marina Tsvetayeva and Bella Akhmadulina in her solo performance “The Hour When You Step Into Souls As Into Arms…” The actress will be accompanied by virtuoso saxophonist Veronika Kozhukharova and talented pianist and composer Polina Kondratkova. According to the actress, "this isn't a play. It's our fierce desire to share the possibility of escaping a hollow, numb reality”…

When: 27 February
Where: Minsk Concert Hall , Minsk

Depeche Mode in Minsk

After the great success of the 2013 summer tour, the legendary Depeche Mode will return to Minsk as part of the third leg of the Delta Machine tour. The new, thirteenth, album is an original mix of synthetic sound with bluesy rock that has been appreciated by music critics around the world. In Belarus Depeche Mode will perform at Minsk Arena, the country’s biggest concert venue.

When: 28 February
Where: Minsk Arena, Minsk