may 2009

May 1-4

IV International Forum of Students Choirs “Paparats-Kvetka-2009” (6)

Participating are the most renowned students ensembles from Belarus, the near and far abroad.

Venue: Sports complex ”Brigantina”, Rodoshkovichi, Minsk region

Organized by: Belarusian State University

May 3-4

International 4X4 Trial for the Prizes of “MOTORSHOW” (4)

Classic trial. Participation of over 30 4X4 teams from Belarus, Russia, and Ukraine is anticipated.

Venue: Minsk city

Organized by: Belarusian Off-Road Vehicle Association

Tel.: +375 29664-44-46

May 7-11

The Republic of Belarus Tourist Overall Cup of Mountaineering and Hiking Techniques (3^rd stage) (8)

The participants are combine teams of Minsk and Belarus regions.

Venue: Bobruisk, Mogilev region

Organized by: Ministry of Sport and Tourism, Public Association “Republican Union for Tourism and Sport”

May 9

Victory Day (1)

Celebration of victory over fascism. This occasion is widely celebrated with parades and sports events. On this day it is conventional to present flowers to veterans of the Great Patriotic War and lay wreaths at memorials to soviet soldiers.

May 8-10

Trophy Raid “Zhest-2009” (4)

It is across country rally through peat bogs and tree barriers. Participating are over 30 4X4 teams from Belarus and Baltic states.

Venue: Puhovichi district, Minsk region

Organized by: Belarusian Off-Road Vehicle Association

Tel.: +375 29664-44-46

May 19-20

Day of St. Mary Icon of Zhirovichi (11)

In each country there is at least one sacred object worshipped by people of different creeds. For Belarusians it is undoubtedly the monastery of Zhirovichi which is over 500 years old. The monastery is renowned for its ancient wonder-working St. Mary Icon of Zhirovichi. This sacred relic is one of the one hundred most significant and revered icons of the Orthodox world.

Venue: Village Zhirovichi, the Assumption Monastery of Zhirovichi

Organized by: the Assumption Monastery of Zhirovichi, Zhirovichi village committee

Tel.: +375156 29-63-91

May 24-25

XIII Historical and Ethnographic Festival “Loshitsky Fest” (5)

This year the traditional festival of mediaeval culture moves from Loshitsa estate to the Gorkova Park. The program includes women and junior tournaments, knight games, mediaeval music concert, dance. Medieval fair is also participated.

Venue: Minsk city, Gorkova Park

Organized by: Culture Department of Lenin Region Executive Committee of Minsk, Knight club “Vyalikaje Knyastva”

International Festival of Patriotic Songs “Afghanistan is Aching in My Heart” (6)

More than 70 participants from Belarus, Russia, Moldova, Ukraine, Tajikistan, and Baltic states will attend this event to remember one of the most tragic moments in the history of the USSR.

Venue: Vitebsk city

Organized by: Ministry of Culture, Vitebsk Region Executive Committee

Tel.: +37517203-73-63, +375212 37-62-15

Republican Festive Fair of Folk Handicrafts “Spring Bouquet” (13)

Works of straws, clay, wood, and leather are demonstrated by Belarusian masters of decorative and applied arts. All exhibits are available for sale.

Venue: Minsk City

Organized by: Culture Administration of Minsk City Executive Committee

Republican Festival of Family Arts “Zhyvitse w Radasci" (Live with fun) (12)

The festival gathers creative families from the whole Belarus, amateur performers demonstrate their talents and skills. There is much positive, cheerfulness and good mood here!

Venue: Slonim

Organized by: Ministry of Culture, Grodno Region Executive Committee

Republican Festival of Folk Arts of Veteran Groups “Veterans don’t age in their Soul” (6)

This is the most significant festival of wartime songs. The participants are veteran collectives from all regions of Belarus that is more than 1000 performers.

Venue: Minsk city and regional centers

Organized by: Ministry of Culture

May (last weekend)

IX International Bike Festival “Brest-2009” (3)

This rally established the reputation as practically necessary to being visited by any self-respecting biker from Belarus and abroad. The program of the festival includes performance of rock groups and contests.

Venue: Brest city

Organized by: Motorcycle club “Golden Wing”

Tel.: +375 29642-70-28

May (third decade)

Festival of Medieval Culture “Rubon” (within the bounds of celebrating Polotsk Days) (5)

International event, uniting knight clubs from Belarus, Russia, Poland, Czech Republic, and other countries. In program are tournaments, mass battles, assault of the castle, fire show, useful arts fair. Organizers also prepared a performance-surprise.

Venue: Polotsk

Organized by: People’s Theater of Historical Costume “Polatski Zvyaz”

May 31 — June 1 (June 7 — 8)

Open Cup of the National Olympic Committee of the Republic of Belarus on 4X4 Trial (2^nd stage) (4)

2 days’ race including classic trial through complicated cross-country locality and circle track racing. Participation of over 30 jeep-crews from Belarus, Russia, and Ukraine is anticipated.

Venue: Gomel city

Organized by: Belarusian Off-Road Vehicle Association

Tel.: +375 29664-44-46

May — June

International Children’s Art Festival “Golden Bee” (12)

Children’s arts holiday. The festival is held every year. The most gifted young artists from Russia, Poland, Moldova, Ukrainee, Latvia, Netherlands, and other countries take part in it.

Venue: Klimovichi

Organized by: Ministry of Culture, Ìîãèë¸âñêèé Region Executive Committee, Klimovichi District Executive Committee

May — June

Celebrations at the “Stalin Line” (5)

Revival of battles beginning from the XII century up to the 2^nd World War.

Venue: “Stalin Line” historical and cultural complex, Zaslavl, Minsk region

Organized by: The staff of the “Stalin Line” complex, Belarusian war and patriotic clubs

The event held in the XII century castle offers spectacular tournaments, fire show, stunts performances and equestrian contests. Visitors will enjoy extensive music and dancing program. During the festival spectators will have the opportunity to visit the mediaeval fair and handicraft shops.

Venue: Lida, Grodno region

Organized by: Minsk union “Sword and raven”

Tel.: +375 29629-39-60