"The fireworks are beautiful, like in China." Foreigners shared their first experience of celebrating the New Year in Belarusian style.

Для белорусов Новый год - это украшенная елка, подарки от Деда Мороза, звон бокалов, аромат мандаринов и обязательные "Селедка под шубой" и оливье на столе. Но что для нас - традиции, то для ряда иностранцев - сплошное удивление. Узнали, как семьи, где один из супругов родился в другой стране, впервые встретили новый год по-белорусски.

Без алкоголя и свинины

Али Ал-Сукуки приехал в Беларусь из Багдада 17 лет назад. Сейчас с супругой Светланой и четырьмя детьми живет в Новополоцке. Первое время снежные белорусские зимы были некомфортными для иракца, но со временем он привык к нашим морозам и традициям отмечать Новый год. Теперь на их праздничном столе как белорусские, так и иракские блюда. Чего вы на нем не увидите никогда, так это алкоголя и свинины - по религиозным взглядам и мусульманским канонам они не положены. Зато есть угощения, учитывающие вкусы всех домочадцев Али. Например, блюда из рыбы и курицы. Все члены семьи наряжаются: взрослые обмениваются поздравлениями и оставляют детям подарки под елкой.

- Праздник отмечаем на кухне. Там у нас телевизор, где традиционно смотрим "Congratulations from the President of the Republic of Belarus and a New Year's concert," says Svetlana Al-Sukuki, adding: "When we didn't have children yet, we could go to the New Year's tree show. Now, winter has become less comfortable—it's either rain or slush. So, we first celebrate the holiday at the table, and then go to bed.
" "The fireworks are beautiful, like in CHINA."

In Chen Yuanji's hometown, Kunming, Yunnan Province, New Year is celebrated almost identically to Belarus. Houses are decorated with garlands and decorations, a fluffy beauty is put up, and the whole family gathers around the table. The only difference is that the holiday isn't celebrated until the morning. There, guests arrive closer to 6:00 PM and two hours later they go home, waiting until midnight to go to bed. After all, Buddhists traditionally wake up early on the first morning of the new year and spend it in prayer at a datsan.

Cheng first celebrated the New Year in Belarus with friends in a dorm. The reverence with which our culture treats the holiday surprised the foreigner: close friends gather around the table, and a multitude of delicacies are prepared. The only unusual thing is the large number of appetizers and salads and the lack of main dishes. Chinese cuisine has different traditions. Appetizers and salads are also eaten, but only a small amount before the main course is served—it's better for digestion.

"After the feast, our whole group strolled around MINSK and enjoyed the New Year's illuminations. When we walked along Nemiga, it was strange, but very nice, to see strangers congratulating each other. A special treat was the festive fireworks, bright and beautiful, just like we have in China," recalls Cheng Yuanji.

At first, our cuisine was unfamiliar to him. However, thanks to marrying a Belarusian woman, Cheng has discovered many delicious dishes. Besides draniki, the foreigner has come to love "Herring under a Fur Coat" and Olivier salad.

"This year, I celebrated the New Year with my family for the ninth time." According to tradition, we watched speeches by the heads of both countries – Belarus and China – and then a festive concert, says Cheng Yuanji. There's

a special atmosphere in Minsk.

Abdulkadir Ahmed Ibrahim Mohammed, a Libyan third-year student in the Faculty of International Relations at Belarusian State University, was eagerly awaiting the New Year. In his North African country, such a holiday is not celebrated due to religious traditions. In Minsk, however, a special atmosphere emerges as soon as the city begins decorating buildings, New Year's paraphernalia appears on store shelves, and residents HEAD there to search for gifts for family and friends. This magical atmosphere captivates the foreigner, as he's never seen anything like it before. He was even more surprised when Belarusians congratulated him at the New Year's table.

"They gave me a large Alyonka chocolate bar. I've never tasted anything so delicious before," the student asserts.
He celebrated New Year's with friends and classmates. Students from Syria, RUSSIA, Belarus, and Turkey gathered around the same table. The dishes on the table reflected the guests' national and religious preferences. Incidentally, Abdulkadir has come to love Belarusian cuisine. Although pork is the main ingredient in most of our recipes , this Muslim has found dishes that allow him to adhere to religious taboos—the traditional "Herring under a Fur Coat," Olivier salad, as well as potatoes and everything made with them.

"You have good traditions, both national and state. I enjoy listening to the President of Belarus's New Year's address with my friends. What he says and does is very important for the country's prosperity. It's a shame I can't vote for him in the upcoming elections. You have a true leader. I would vote for Alexander Grigoryevich without a second thought," the student assured.

The holiday spirit is palpable in Minsk as soon as buildings begin to decorate, New Year's paraphernalia appears on store shelves, and people bustle about searching for gifts for their loved ones. This magical atmosphere captivates foreigners, as they've never seen anything like it before.

Vadim KONDRATYUK,
7 Dney newspaper.