27 February — Defender of the Fatherland Day

Starts at 11:00 

On 27 February, the Stalin Line Historical and Cultural Complex near Minsk will host Defender of the Fatherland Day (23 February) in the form of a military-historical reenactment, with an entertainment programme for visitors of all ages. The event is supported by the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Belarus and will feature the developer of World of Tanks. Residents and visitors to the Republic of Belarus can look forward to a variety of workshops, competitions, entertainment, a military-historical show and the unveiling of a new exhibit.

 
For the first time, Stalin Line will unveil an exceptionally rare exhibit: the Panzer 38(t), or Pz.Kpfw.38(t), one of the Wehrmacht’s finest light tanks. Designed by Czechoslovak engineers in 1938, the tank did not enter service with the Czechoslovak Army before the country was occupied. It was subsequently produced for the Wehrmacht until 1942. The Panzer 38(t) saw extensive action during the early stages of the Second World War. These tanks served with the Wehrmacht’s 7th, 12th and 20th Panzer Divisions, which assaulted positions of the Minsk Fortified Region in June 1941.
The tank was recreated by the Stalin Line restoration team so that everyone could see the finest Czechoslovak-built tank of the Second World War. 
Find out more about the new exhibit in a programme from the portal
 
Cool weather with precipitation is forecast for Defender of the Fatherland Day, with temperatures of +3 to +5 °C. We recommend that visitors dress warmly and wear waterproof footwear. The organisers will also provide places where visitors can warm up.
 
Provisional Programme for Defender of the Fatherland Day*
Minsk Time
11:00 Event begins. Interactive zones open to visitors:
  • Presentation of the PzKpfw 38(t) Tank
  • “Stalin Line” Guided Tour Route
  • Photo Area
  • Weapons Workshop
  • Blacksmithing Masterclass
  • Defender of the Fatherland Quiz
  • Defenders of the Fatherland Photo Exhibition
  • Sword Fighting
  • Children’s Room
  • Firing Deactivated Weapons
  • Tank Rides
  • Stalin Line Ready for Labour and Defence (GTO) Challenge
  • Laser Tag
  • Red Cross Field Hospital
13:30 Performance by Ministry of Defence Reconnaissance Troops
14:00 “Battle of Stalingrad” Reenactment
15:30 Ceremonial Salute
16:30 Awards and Presentation of Certificates
17:00 Event Ends
 
For the first time at Stalin Line, a military-historical performance will be combined with the Belarusian Red Cross Society’s interactive “Red Cross Hospital” zone, where first-aid workshops will be held with the participation of four-legged medical orderlies.
 
The military-historical performance is dedicated to the momentous events of the winter of 1942 and the Red Army’s defensive battles for Stalingrad. Themed sets will be used to recreate the atmosphere of those days. The complex’s new exhibit, the Pz.Kpfw.38(t) tank, will take part in a reenactment depicting German armoured vehicles in action against Red Army long-range artillery. 
 
*The organisers reserve the right to make changes to the programme

Tickets:

Admission tickets are available from the Stalin Line Historical and Cultural Complex website or from the complex’s ticket offices on the day of the event.

Children under the age of 6 do not require a ticket and may attend the event free of charge when accompanied by an adult. Children aged 6 to 18 require a child ticket.

Tickets Purchased Online until 27 February: adult: 130,000 Belarusian roubles; child: 60,000 Belarusian roubles

Tickets Purchased Online or at the Complex Ticket Office on Arrival 27 February: adult: 150,000 Belarusian roubles; child: 70,000 Belarusian roubles.

 
How can I earn reward points and receive a souvenir?
 
During Defender of the Fatherland Day, engaging entertainment programmes will take place in special interactive zones throughout the event site. These will include competitions featuring tasks that test visitors’ knowledge of military history. Everyone is welcome to take part.
 
Visitors taking part in the interactive zones will receive reward tokens, which they can later exchange for Stalin Line souvenirs at the Gift Shop.
 
Prize tokens can be earned in the following interactive zones:
  • Presentation of the PzKpfw 38(t) Tank. Each visitor who correctly answers the guide’s questions will receive one prize token, with a maximum of one token per visitor.
  • Children’s Room. Visitors who create a themed drawing dedicated to Defender of the Fatherland Day will receive one prize token, with a maximum of one token per visitor.
  • Sword Fighting. Visitors who take part in the “Capture the Flag” and “Tournament” combat scenarios will receive one prize token for each scenario.
  • Weapons Workshop. Visitors who take part in this activity will receive one prize token, with a maximum of one token per visitor.
  • Laser Tag. Visitors who take part in the competitions will receive one prize token, with a maximum of one token per visitor.
  • Blacksmithing Workshop. Visitors who make an item by hand will receive one prize token, with a maximum of one token per visitor.
  • Ready for Labour and Defence (GTO). Visitors who take part in this activity will receive one prize token for each stage.
  • Defender of the Fatherland Quiz. Each visitor who correctly answers the guide’s questions will receive one prize token, with a maximum of one token per visitor.

The event map is available here:

 

 
How can I enjoy a free military vehicle ride?

The most active visitors who win a prize in the Stalin Line Ready for Labour and Defence (GTO) interactive zone will have the opportunity to take a ride in a military vehicle.

Before entering competitions in the Stalin Line Ready for Labour and Defence (GTO) interactive zone, participants must register with an instructor. The results of all registered participants will then be recorded at the Information Centre, where the winners will receive certificates and prizes.
We look forward to seeing you at Defender of the Fatherland Day!
 
 
How to Get Here

The Stalin Line Historical and Cultural Complex is located at kilometre 31 of the P28 Minsk–Molodechno road, 20 km from the Minsk Ring Road.

Two equipped car parks with a total capacity of 500 spaces are available for visitors arriving by car. Directions to the Stalin Line Historical and Cultural Complex are available on the map.

A free unpaved visitor car park with 800 spaces will also be available.

For visitors without their own transport, shared minibuses bound for Molodechno depart from the Druzhnaya bus station every 20 minutes. Passengers paying the full fare can travel to the Stalin Line stop.

Our Partners

 

 

                Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Belarus