There is something magical or just a bit strange about Belarusian holidays! You know how in most countries when a holiday falls on a Thursday, people often take the Friday off using their allocated holidays to enjoy a long weekend? Well in Belarus this happens automatically and officially! So you don’t even have to think about it! Magic, right?
However, don’t be surprised when your Belarusian friends now and then have to work on a Saturday. This is called ‘Perenos’ and it literally means ‘shifting’. Belarusians love to shift their days off, so they can spend extended weekends at their dachas or go on holiday.
So how does it work? Well, imagine a holiday, for example Constitution Day (June 3rd), falling on a Thursday. Belarusians are given the Friday off to give them a four-day holiday. To compensate for this long weekend, Belarusians must make up this lost work day usually working the previous Saturday. This of course means that the previous work week was a full six days! However, in return they do gain four whole days of vacation. That could be worse right?
So, when you ask your dear Belarusian friend to do something fun on a Saturday, chances are he or she might need to work. But don’t feel too bad for them because they have plenty of time to rest and have fun the following weekend!
We think it’s quite a good idea and that other countries should take note.
Always check the calendar to see whether such a magical shift is happening when planning your long weekend away!
However, don’t be surprised when your Belarusian friends now and then have to work on a Saturday. This is called ‘Perenos’ and it literally means ‘shifting’. Belarusians love to shift their days off, so they can spend extended weekends at their dachas or go on holiday.
So how does it work? Well, imagine a holiday, for example Constitution Day (June 3rd), falling on a Thursday. Belarusians are given the Friday off to give them a four-day holiday. To compensate for this long weekend, Belarusians must make up this lost work day usually working the previous Saturday. This of course means that the previous work week was a full six days! However, in return they do gain four whole days of vacation. That could be worse right?
So, when you ask your dear Belarusian friend to do something fun on a Saturday, chances are he or she might need to work. But don’t feel too bad for them because they have plenty of time to rest and have fun the following weekend!
We think it’s quite a good idea and that other countries should take note.
Always check the calendar to see whether such a magical shift is happening when planning your long weekend away!
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