Louvet Travel: Belarus

Belarus Flag

Why visit Belarus?

Known for architecture, culture, forests, fortresses, lakes, monuments and rivers.

Mir Castle Complex, Mir, Belarus. Photo Credit: Egor Shitikov/Pixabay

At a Glance

Souvenirs to Buy: Balalaikas, boxes, caviar, chocolate candies, fur caps, hand-painted lacquerware, linen fabrics, metal sculpture, tiles, vodka, wall plaques and wood sculpture.
Local Cuisine to Try: Babka (potato pie). Belarusian (rye bread). Buraki (beet soup). Driniki (potato pancakes). Kapusta (cabbage soup). Machanka (pork stew).
Local Drink to Try: Harelka (vodka). Kompot. Kvass (beer).

Minsk, Belarus. Photo Credit: A_Matskevich/Pixabay

Fun Facts

During 3rd Century (201AD-300AD), Indo Europeans (Baltics) were the first settlers.
In 1840s, Nicholas I (1868-1896), Emperor of Russia (1825-1855) prohibited the Belarusian language in public schools.
In 1941, (Brest) was attacked by Hitler's forces.
During Eastern Front of World War II (1941-1945), they lost 25% of their population (over 1.6 million civilians and 620,000 Belarusian Red Army Soldiers).
In 1988, archaeologist found mass graves of victims (Kurapaty) executed between 1937-1941
1991, declared independence.
In 1992, currency Soviet ruble was replaced with Belarusian ruble.
In 1992, native Vitaly Venediktovich Scherbo, Gymnast, won six Olympic gold medals.
In 2019, hosted the European Games (Mins).
In 2000, signed a cooperation treaty,Union State with Russia.
Over 40% of the country is forest.
Only European country to officially have the death penalty.
Eastern Orthodox Christianity and Roman Catholicism is widely practiced.
Football and ice hockey are the most popular sports.

The Church of Saints Simon & Helena (Red Church), Minsk, Belarus. Photo Credit: Zdeněk Fekar/Pixabay

Special Holidays/Occasions

Annual Events: International Classic Music Festival (January), Dotyk Belarusian Queer Film Festival (February), International Festival of Magicians (February), International Orthodox Church Music Festival (February), International Winter Motor Festival (February), Minsk Spring Tango Festival (March), International Festival of Instrumental Music Guitar Renaissance (April), International Rock & Bike Festival (April), Belarusian Fashion Week (May), Festival of Medieval Culture (May), International Show of Vintage Cars (May), Minsk Pride (May), Cheese Festival (June), Cucumber Festival (August), Flower Festival (August), Mirum Music Festival (AUGUST), Folk Culture Festival (September), International Bikers’ Festival (September), Potato Fest (September), Sugar Fest (September) and Listapad (November).
Holidays: Orthodox Christmas (January), Defender of the Fatherland & Armed Forces Day (February), Constitution Day (March), Day of the Police of Belarus (March), International Women's Day (March), Chernobyl Tragedy Commemorative Day (April), Unity of Peoples of Russia & Belarus Day (April), State Flag & State Emblem Day (May), Victory Day (May), Day of Remembrance of the Victims of the Great Patriotic War (June), Kupalle (July), Dziady (November) and October Revolution Day (November).

Courage Monument, Brest, Belarus. Photo Credit: Aline Mueller/Pixabay

Good to Know

Medical care is not to our quality and standards.
Local Customs Officers are known to remove valuables.
Photographs of the Government House of the Republic or The KGB are not permitted!
Drinking alcohol in public places is not permitted.
Police are known to be corrupt and seek bribes.
Eastern Yiddish, Polish, Russian and Ukrainian are spoken.
Breakfast is the lightest meal of the day for locals.
Hospitality is shown by offering guests bread and salt.

This international destination requires:

A valid passport with three months of validity upon return and two blank stamp pages.
Tourist VISA required for visits over 30 days.
Currency Restrictions for Entry/Exit: $10,000USD.

Gomel, Belarus. Photo Credit: Alexander Grishin/Pixabay

Lake Narach, Belarus. Photo Credit: Pixabay

Your Must-See & Do

UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Architectural Residential and Cultural Complex of the Radziwill Family at Nesvizh, Białowieża Forest, Mir Castle Complex and Struve Geodetic Arc.

Navahrudak Castle, Navahrudak, Belarus. Photo Credit: anastasiya_salsa/Pixabay

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All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Subject to change without notice.

Tuesday, December 1, 2020