Vyshyvanka Day in Minsk

Vyshyvanka Day was held in the Belarusian capital in the run-up to the Independence Day celebrations for the second time. The fest highlighted Belarus’ traditional culture, rich history, and old symbols that live on, like the threads woven into the embroidery patterns.

The slogan of this year’s event was Belarus, a Country of Inspiration. The festival of talents and creative ideas unfolded next to the Minsk Sports Palace. All events were themed around Vyshyvanka, the traditional embroidered shirt. Traditional patterns were everywhere, from traditional costumes to modern outfits, footwear and accessories, souvenirs, decorative items, books and paintings.

The participants marked the start of the festival by walking the streets of the Belarusian capital under the national flag. The event gathered young people from different parts of Belarus, representatives of art groups, brass bands, folk groups, dance schools, and theaters. Hundreds of participants walked down Pobeditelei Avenue, one of the main thoroughfares of the capital, wearing outfits of different times and social groups from ornamented linen shirts to gentry’s fine apparel featuring Belarusian traditional patterns, including the famous pattern by Matrena Markevich. It was her who created, a hundred years ago, the "rushnik", the ornament which later adorned the State Flag of Belarus. 

Patterns and colors of Vyshyvanka Day 2017 in Minsk: the art walk, catwalk run in national costumes, the flash mob "A Kiss in Vyshyvanka" and much more in our photos.

Photos by Oksana Manchuk