People dressed as Father Frost, the equivalent of Santa Claus, and Snow Maiden take part in the contest “Yolka-fest-2014” (Fir-festival-2014) in Minsk December 12, 2014. (Photo by Vasily Fedosenko/Reuters)

Belarussian villagers perform during a celebration of the “Tsary” rite in the village of Semezhevo, Belarus January 13, 2016. This unique rite originated from the 18th century, and now takes place only in this village marking the New Year, according to the Julian calendar, on January 13. (Photo by Vasily Fedosenko/Reuters)

People take part in the "Bison Race" winter extreme run competition in Zhodino, Belarus, December 5, 2015. (Photo by Vasily Fedosenko/Reuters)

Villagers take part in a ritual celebrating the pagan god Yurya and pray for plentiful future harvests in the village of Pogost, Belarus May 6, 2016. (Photo by Vasily Fedosenko/Reuters)

Belarusian schoolchildren, who are members of a pro-government Young Pioneer movement, perform with drums as they take part in a meeting to mark the 95th anniversary of their organisation in Minsk, Belarus May 19, 2017. (Photo by Vasily Fedosenko/Reuters)

A hunter holds a hare he just killed during a hunt in a field near the village of Novosyolki, Belarus November 5, 2016. (Photo by Vasily Fedosenko/Reuters)

Belarussian rhythmic gymnast Melitina Staniouta takes a selfie as she has her make-up done in Minsk, May 29, 2016. Photos show her training and competing, as well as trying on her official Olympic uniform and getting ready for a photo shoot. (Photo by Vasily Fedosenko/Reuters)

Belarusian women take a selfie as they take part in the Mrs and Miss Minsk city pageant, amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak in Minsk, Belarus on June 26, 2020. (Photo by Vasily Fedosenko/Reuters)