Belarus tractors ... so sexy!

Couple of weeks ago, I was out walking and passed by a display of a tractor show. I had been on my way to an event when I passed it and was running late, so I couldn’t stop and get photos, but after the event ended, I went back again for a closer look. Why, well, like #PaulOverstreet points out, tractors are sexy!

Tractors are a big deal in Minsk and Belarus; there’s a factory here: Minsk Tractor Works.  As my Russian skills are … lacking, I don’t really know if the exhibition was specifically for that factory or not, but I was totally sucked into the show, which, fortunately, was outside so I could wander around without feeling like I was risking COVID, although I did wear a mask.

Here’s a bit from their site:

Minsk tractor works was founded on May 29, 1946. Today the works, which employs more than 16000 people, has turned into one of the largest manufacturers of agricultural machinery not only in CIS countries, but also worldwide. And the famous trademark “Belarus” is of great value to us — not only commercial, but also to a certain extent patriotic.

Unfortunately for my photo ops, I wasn’t the only one sucked into it I think every little boy under the age of 5 was there with his mom or dad. I saw a few little girls, but it there were mostly boys interfering cheerfully with my attempts to take pictures without anyone in them. (And yes, I would have totally taken a turn at the wheel myself had I had the chance, but it seemed kinda mean to shove the little boys out of my way.)

According to the one tractor’s paint job, it was the 75^th anniversary of something, but I’m not entirely sure of what since the company was founded in 1946. But it was really cook to browse around and see the old-timey farm equipment, which went beyond just tractors. 

Although Minsk is a European capital, the tractors are prominent here. The actual factory is in the area somewhere – the workers went on strike in protest of the elections at one point – and tractors are seen frequently on the streets. I can’t help but wonder if once in awhile in Paris or Madrid people see tractors in the middle of town, but we sure do here.

I see them outside my window. The photo of the orange one was taken outside my window, and today another one chugged by. At this point, I’m getting used to it but the first time it happened, I had been on the phone and was so surprised I think I broke my friend’s eardrum. I’m not sure how often people get a view of a KGB building and a tractor in one glance.