A Minsk resident has posted a video showing the National Library transformed into a Halloween pumpkin using LED lights on its facade.
In 24 hours, the video received 2,400 likes on Threads, while many commenters expressed disappointment that it was merely an AI-generated image. This is telling in a country where the holiday has been declared undesirable and wearing a themed costume in a public place can attract police attention. However, not everyone liked the idea.
The National Library’s illuminated facade is an entirely official advertising space. It has been used to advertise alcoholic beverages and betting companies, but Halloween symbols are unlikely to appear there. Back in December 2022, the Council of Ministers banned events at educational institutions that contradict the traditional values of Belarusians. In the authorities’ view, Halloween falls into that category.
Although the document applied only to educational and cultural institutions, Belarusians have grown accustomed to the possibility that wearing a themed costume in a public place could attract police attention.
“We want to take some photos on the 31st for Halloween (in themed costumes). Could we be fined for that?” asks a Belarusian woman using the username lolita_5t.
“They stopped people last year. […] A girl I know had to take part of her costume off […] and went home,” replies a user named jerrelinmarkins.
Every year, the authorities reaffirm their commitment to “cultural import substitution” in official letters, and 2026 has been no exception. The Kobryn District Executive Committee advised organizations to refrain from celebrating Halloween, describing it as “flirting with dark forces, glorifying death and departing from Christian tradition”, as well as promoting “aggression and antisocial behavior”.
Despite this, the Halloween tradition has strong roots in western Belarus, where Dzyady — a ritual commemorating deceased ancestors — is observed in late October. On the night of October 31 to November 1, cemeteries in the Hrodna and Brest regions are filled with candles and oil lamps, creating an eerie atmosphere for the uninitiated.