Commentators Remind

by

Plo

Traditional way of spending New Year’s Eve in Belarus is -
as some emphasize -
‘passive relaxation’,
in other words - eating, drinking and watching TV. However,
a lot of people spend this day in... sauna.

One doesn’t bargain for balls and masquerades in Belarus this year
as well,
though spending festive moments with fireworks
and champagne on urban squares
gains
popularity -
mainly in Minsk.

First of all, New Year is a family and house holiday here -
at New Year’s Eve night
gifts for children
get under the christmas tree.

Whole families spend last hours of the old year
proposing toasts with cheap, domestic vodka and champagne.

Potatoes, meaty chops, stuffed fishes and various salads
dominate on their tables.
Meanwhile,
belarusian television transmits performances of entertainers and bands.

On the other hand, these, who celebrate in restaurants,
will pay for New Year’s night in Minsk
at least an equivalent of average salary.

Because prices of balls and parties range between 6-8 millions
and 10-15 millions of belarusian roubles
(from 25 to 60 US dollars).

Nightly and night sessions in private saunas -
practically already sold -
are cheaper.
8-10 persons can get warm and feast there for value
of 100-150 dollars.

Sauna or, in other words, banya
is a favourite place
to spend New Year’s Day for owners of suburban,
small summer houses
widespread
in Belarus.

Another traditional way of spending New Year’s Eve
is visiting acquaintances and relatives.
Authorities representatives announce -
prime minister among others -
they will spend these days
in family circle.
Politicians of opposition declare similar intentions.
However, some of oppositionists
will spend this night in prison
where they serve their sentences - commentators remind.

NEXT?
Why don't you look at How We Had Talked
by: Hope Smith
from: Perth, Western Australia, Australia

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