Freedom Day Celebrations in Belarus on 25 March 2018

In Belarus, March 25th is an unofficial holiday referred to as Freedom Day, the date that the Belarusian People’s Republic was established in 1918. The holiday is not recognized by the government, and the holiday is observed only by those who oppose the current government. Some concerts and rallies have been authorized by authorities in cities around the country, including Minsk, Brest, Grodno, Vitebsk, Baranovichi, and Kobrin. These events will be at 13:00.

Advice

Travellers should carry identification, such as a passport, at all times as police officers are expected to be conducting identification checks, especially near tourist sites and rallies. In the past, there have been clashes between demonstrators and police. Minimize safety risk by avoiding areas of large public gatherings and demonstrations. Even events intended to be peaceful can unexpectedly and quickly escalate and become violent.