In accordance with a long-standing tradition at the start of November the Belarusians think of their dead forfathers, ‘Dziady’.
On Dziady the departed souls visit their living descendants, the old custom says. In many regions of Belarus people leave food uneaten after dinner on this day because they believe that the souls are to come and stay indoors until the early hours. Over dinner the dead, their acts and advice are remembered.
The Belarusian National Remembrance, a Polish-based organisation, has listed cities and towns abroad where the Belarusians are going to hold meetings over Dziady.
Chicago, the USA
The dinner is to take place on November, 9 at 18:00 in Belarusian Orthodox St. George’s church: 1500 North Maplewood Ave. Chicago, IL 60622
Prague, the Czech Republic
Belarusian diaspora is meeting on November, 2 at 12:00 near a church at Olshany cemetery to pay the tribute to the memory of Piotra Krecheuski and Vasil Zakharka, presidents of the Rada of the Belarusian People’s Republic, and singer Mikhas Zabeyda-Sumitski.
Vilnius, Lithuania
People are expected to gather together on November 2 at 11:00 at the entrance to Rosy cemetery.
Bourguillon/Bürglen, Freiburg, Switzerland
The meeting is scheduled on November 2 at 11:00 at the entrance to nunnery Notre-Dame du Carmel (Eglise de Bourguillon).
Warsaw, Poland
Belarusian diaspora is meeting on November 2 at 11:00 near the entrance to underground station Centrum
Cracow, Poland
Belarusians are to gather together on November 2 at 12:00 near Cracow railway station.
