Today, May 1, Belarus celebrates Labor Day.
"Dear staff and students of the Belarusian National Technical University! Please accept our sincere congratulations on Labor Day! Labor has always been and remains the foundation of the sovereignty, stability, and independence of our state. It is thanks to the daily efforts of each of you that the solid foundation upon which the future of the Republic of Belarus is built is formed. Your contribution to the development of science and education is the key to the country's confident progress.
Your professionalism, responsibility, and dedication inspire deep respect. These qualities enable the university to occupy a leading position in education and research, training highly qualified specialists in demand in the labor market. Each of you is an integral part of a large and friendly team whose work ensures the prosperity of not only our university but also the entire country.
On this festive day, I sincerely wish you good health, boundless energy, and optimism! May each new day bring you satisfaction from the work you've accomplished, and may your professional successes become a source of pride and inspiration for those around you! May peace, harmony, and prosperity reign in your families, and may all your endeavors be supported by like-minded people! May your work always be a joy, and its results a worthy reward for your efforts!
Rector
S. Kharitonchik"
History of the holiday
The holiday has a history spanning over a century and originally originated as a day of workers' struggle for their rights. On May 1, 1886, a large-scale strike demanding an eight-hour workday erupted in Chicago, USA. The strike ended in tragic clashes. In memory of these events, the Paris Congress of the Second International in 1889 declared May 1st World Workers' Day.
In Belarus, this holiday was first celebrated in 1895 at a secret workers' meeting. By the early twentieth century, May Day celebrations had become truly widespread. The holiday received official status and the status of a non-working day only after the October Revolution.
During the Soviet Union, May 1st was celebrated with unprecedented grandeur. Large-scale parades and processions of workers' columns took place in the country's main squares under the famous slogan "Peace! Labor! May!" Even then, it was not only an important national holiday, but also a true symbol of spring, the renewal of nature, and joyful gatherings with colleagues and friends.
In sovereign Belarus, this tradition has been carefully preserved. By presidential decree of March 26, 1998, the day was renamed Labor Day. Today, May Day has largely lost its original political connotations. On this day, festive concerts are held throughout the country, and outstanding workers, trade union activists, and labor veterans are honored. For most Belarusians, May Day remains a beautiful spring day and an excellent opportunity to relax with family.
BNTU on this day
For the Belarusian National Technical University, Labor Day has always had a special, truly historic significance. The Polytechnic's history is inextricably linked with the country's development and creative achievements, which are recognized at the highest government level. Our university is rightfully proud of its outstanding awards—the Order of the Red Banner of Labor, received during the BPI era, and the Order of Labor Glory, awarded to the university in its centennial year for its enormous contribution to the development of engineering and technical education. These prestigious distinctions serve as the best confirmation that the traditions of May Day and a deep respect for labor are passed down from generation to generation.
The university's archival photographs preserve the memory of the glorious times of the BNTU era. Then, as now, faculty and students were an integral part of the largest citywide parades. In the run-up to the holiday, the façade of the main building was traditionally adorned with monumental banners, and thousands of future engineers proudly marched through the streets of Minsk, bearing banners of solidarity and creative labor.
In independent Belarus, this spring day has acquired new, no less significant meaning. Today, the holiday symbolizes the university's continuity of generations and deep respect for workers. An important part of the ceremonies, attended by BNTU representatives, is the laying of flowers at the "Minsk – Hero City" architectural and sculptural complex in memory of those who gave us a peaceful sky for study and work. Symbolically, the celebration of May Day precedes the opening of the next work semester, for which the university always prepares with special trepidation and responsibility.
Of course, the university actively supports modern celebrations. University representatives participate in large-scale city events in Victory Park, demonstrating unity, youth, and team spirit. And today, on this bright spring holiday, we celebrate with particular pride the creative work of the enormous BNTU team and our university's vital mission of training highly qualified engineering professionals for the prosperity of our country.
Happy Labor Day! Peace, labor, May!
