Belarus Public Holidays

Belarus Public Holidays

Searching for the national holidays in Belarus? All public holidays in Belarus are treated like Sundays. This means that most of the Belarus employees have a day off and all schools are closed on these office holidays. If you are planning a trip to Belarus and want to know what the national and regional holidays are, check the details in the tables below.

 

New Year’s Day (January 1)

Overview

New Year’s Day is one of the most widely celebrated holidays in Belarus, marking the beginning of the new Gregorian calendar year. This holiday is celebrated by citizens across the country and is a time for rest, reflection, and celebration. The day is filled with traditions that focus on family gatherings, feasts, and making new year resolutions.

Celebrations

The celebration begins on New Year’s Eve, with many Belarusians hosting large dinners and parties to welcome the new year. Fireworks displays are common, and there are parties in major cities such as Minsk. The holiday continues on New Year’s Day with families gathering together for meals, watching the New Year’s address from the President, and enjoying special holiday programs on television. Children often receive presents from Ded Moroz (Father Frost), who plays a central role in Belarusian New Year traditions.

Days Off

New Year’s Day is a public holiday in Belarus, and employees are given the day off. Government offices, schools, and businesses are typically closed for the day, allowing people to spend time with family or participate in social activities.

Orthodox Christmas Day (January 7)

Overview

Orthodox Christmas Day is celebrated by the majority of Belarusians who follow the Eastern Orthodox Christian faith. The holiday occurs on January 7, following the Julian calendar, and celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. It is a deeply religious holiday and holds great cultural significance in Belarus.

Celebrations

On Orthodox Christmas Day, Belarusians attend church services, where the Divine Liturgy is held. Traditional foods, including special bread, meat dishes, and pastries, are prepared, and families gather for a festive meal. A significant tradition is the twelve-dish meal, which symbolizes the twelve apostles. The holiday is also marked by charity, with many people visiting the homes of the elderly or those in need to share meals and goodwill.

Days Off

Orthodox Christmas Day is a public holiday in Belarus, and most workers receive the day off. Government offices, schools, and businesses are closed, and citizens typically spend the day with family or attending church services.

International Women’s Day (March 8)

Overview

International Women’s Day is celebrated on March 8th and is a significant public holiday in Belarus. The holiday celebrates women’s achievements in all areas of society, including politics, business, and education, and calls for gender equality. The day holds cultural significance in Belarus and across many countries of the former Soviet Union.

Celebrations

In Belarus, International Women’s Day is celebrated with a combination of official ceremonies and personal celebrations. Men often give women flowers, chocolates, and gifts. There are also various cultural events, such as concerts, exhibitions, and performances that celebrate women’s contributions to society. In many workplaces, women receive special attention, and some organizations hold parties or dinners in their honor.

Days Off

International Women’s Day is a public holiday in Belarus, and most employees receive the day off. Government offices and businesses close for the day, allowing workers, especially women, to enjoy the festivities.

Labour Day (May 1)

Overview

Labour Day, observed on May 1st, is an international holiday that celebrates workers and their contributions to society. In Belarus, the day is an opportunity to recognize the hard work and efforts of the nation’s workforce and to promote workers’ rights.

Celebrations

Labour Day is marked with official celebrations, parades, and demonstrations in major cities, particularly in Minsk. There are speeches from political leaders and government representatives that emphasize the importance of labor rights and workers’ contributions to the economy. Many Belarusians also take the day off to enjoy outdoor activities, picnics, and social gatherings.

Days Off

Labour Day is a public holiday, and most workers receive the day off. Government offices and businesses are closed, and many people attend public events or relax at home.

Victory Day (May 9)

Overview

Victory Day, celebrated on May 9th, is one of the most important national holidays in Belarus. It commemorates the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany in World War II and honors the sacrifices made by soldiers and civilians. The holiday marks the end of the war in Europe and is deeply significant for Belarusians, as the country was one of the hardest hit during the war.

Celebrations

Victory Day is celebrated with large-scale parades, military displays, and public ceremonies. The main event takes place in Minsk, where thousands of people gather to watch a parade featuring military units, veterans, and schoolchildren. People also visit war memorials and cemeteries to honor fallen soldiers. In addition to these official events, citizens often gather with family for meals and to reflect on the historical significance of the day.

Days Off

Victory Day is a public holiday, and most workers in Belarus receive the day off. Schools, government offices, and businesses are closed, and people participate in public events, visit memorials, or spend time with family.

Independence Day (July 3)

Overview

Independence Day is celebrated on July 3rd and marks the anniversary of Belarus’s liberation from Nazi occupation during World War II. The day commemorates the country’s struggle for freedom and its sovereignty as an independent state. Belarusian independence is celebrated with patriotic events and a focus on national pride.

Celebrations

Independence Day in Belarus is marked by military parades, concerts, and public celebrations. The main events take place in the capital city, Minsk, where there are large-scale parades featuring military forces, public performances, and fireworks. There are also cultural exhibitions and community gatherings across the country, where people come together to celebrate their national identity and achievements.

Days Off

Independence Day is a public holiday, and most workers are given the day off. Schools, government offices, and businesses close, and citizens typically attend events or celebrate with family and friends.

Orthodox Easter (Date varies)

Overview

Orthodox Easter is one of the most significant religious holidays for Belarusians who follow the Eastern Orthodox Christian faith. The holiday celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ and is observed on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the vernal equinox. It is a time of spiritual renewal and joy for the Orthodox community.

Celebrations

The celebration of Orthodox Easter begins with a midnight church service, where the faithful gather to hear the proclamation of Christ’s resurrection. The Easter Sunday meal is a central part of the celebration, and traditional foods such as “kulich” (a special Easter bread) and dyed eggs are enjoyed. Many people visit relatives and friends to exchange Easter greetings and gifts. The holiday also involves visits to church, where believers attend mass and participate in prayers.

Days Off

Orthodox Easter is a public holiday in Belarus, and most workers receive the day off to attend church services and celebrate with family. Government offices, schools, and businesses close for the day, allowing citizens to observe the religious and cultural traditions associated with Easter.

State Sovereignty Day (November 4)

Overview

State Sovereignty Day, observed on November 4th, commemorates Belarus’s declaration of independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. The holiday marks the country’s assertion of its sovereignty and its ability to govern independently.

Celebrations

State Sovereignty Day is marked with speeches from government leaders, public ceremonies, and discussions about Belarus’s political and economic progress since gaining independence. While it is a day for reflection, the holiday is also seen as a time for patriotism and national pride. Citizens gather to celebrate their country’s achievements and reaffirm their commitment to its future development.

Days Off

State Sovereignty Day is a public holiday, and most workers are given the day off. There are typically official ceremonies, speeches, and public events that emphasize Belarus’s independence and sovereignty.

Constitution Day (March 15)

Overview

Constitution Day, celebrated on March 15, marks the anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution of Belarus in 1994. This day is a celebration of the nation’s legal and political structure and the principles of governance outlined in the Constitution.

Celebrations

On Constitution Day, there are speeches and discussions about Belarus’s legal framework and the significance of the Constitution in maintaining the country’s stability and democratic institutions. Various government bodies and political organizations hold events to raise awareness about the Constitution’s role in shaping Belarus’s society.

Days Off

Constitution Day is a public holiday in Belarus, and most employees receive the day off. While it is a day marked by speeches and official events, many people also use the time for personal reflection on the country’s legal system and governance.

Table: Public Holidays in Belarus and Days Off

Holiday	Date	Days Off	Groups of People Recognized
New Year’s Day	January 1	1 day off	All citizens
Orthodox Christmas Day	January 7	1 day off	Orthodox Christians
International Women’s Day	March 8	1 day off	All citizens, especially women
Labour Day	May 1	1 day off	All citizens
Victory Day	May 9	1 day off	All citizens
Independence Day	July 3	1 day off	All citizens
Orthodox Easter	Date varies	1 day off	Orthodox Christians
State Sovereignty Day	November 4	1 day off	All citizens
Constitution Day	March 15	1 day off	All citizens