Catholic Christmas Day

Catholic Christmas Day in Belarus, celebrated on December 25th, is a significant religious and cultural holiday for the country's Catholic community. Although Orthodox Christmas (celebrated on January 7th) is more widely observed due to the predominance of the Orthodox Church, Catholic Christmas is still an important occasion for Belarusian Catholics. The day is marked by attending midnight Mass, known as *Pasterka*, which commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ. Families gather for festive meals, often featuring traditional dishes such as *kutia* (a sweet grain pudding), fish, and other meatless dishes, reflecting the Advent fasting period. Homes are decorated with Christmas trees, lights, and nativity scenes, and the holiday is characterized by a spirit of joy, reflection, and togetherness. In recent years, Catholic Christmas has also gained broader cultural recognition, with public events and festive markets adding to the holiday atmosphere.