Belarusian village of Pogost to compete for title of best place for tourists among villages of the world

Belarus will participate in the prestigious international competition Best Tourism Villages-2025, organised by UN Tourism (formerly UNWTO), the National Tourism Agency reports

“The Best Tourism Villages competition aims to highlight the role of tourism in preserving the value of villages with their unique landscapes, knowledge systems, biological and cultural diversity, local traditions and activities. It aims to support and recognise unique rural areas that demonstrate a commitment to sustainable tourism development and the preservation of cultural heritage and traditions. In 2025, Belarus will be represented by the village of Pogost in the Zhitkovichi District of the Gomel Region. This choice is no coincidence: the village is famous for its unique Jurauski Karahod spring rite, which in 2019 was included in the UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding,” the National Tourism Agency noted.

Jurauski Karahod is an ancient rite combining elements of pagan and Christian traditions, held annually in the village of Pogost annually on St. George's Day (May 6th, new style). It symbolises the awakening of the earth and the beginning of a new agricultural cycle.

“The participation of the village of Pogost in The Best Tourism Villages-2025 is an opportunity not only to draw the attention of the world community to the unique cultural heritage of Belarus, but also to stimulate the development of sustainable tourism in the rural regions of the country,” the national agency emphasised.

UN Tourism is a United Nations agency dedicated to the promotion of responsible, sustainable and inclusive tourism worldwide. Belarus has been a full member of the World Tourism Organisation since 2005.