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traditional festivals & main events
Baltic traditions, believes and rites are still alive!
In the world, where pace of life takes rituals and traditions away, the Baltic coast nations still maintain their ancestors' traditions.
There are few things baltic people remember very well: price of bread, price of freedom and love for own traditions, songs and dance.
In the baltic traditional events you might meet people celebrating essential changes of the nature (Summer/Winter Solstice, Spring or Autumn Equinox), important historical dates, calendar holidays (Easter, Christmas, All Saints, Mardi Gras) and most of all celebrations dedicated for folk tradition (trade fairs, Songs and Dance Festivals etc.).
There are few things baltic people remember very well: price of bread, price of freedom and love for own traditions, songs and dance.
In the baltic traditional events you might meet people celebrating essential changes of the nature (Summer/Winter Solstice, Spring or Autumn Equinox), important historical dates, calendar holidays (Easter, Christmas, All Saints, Mardi Gras) and most of all celebrations dedicated for folk tradition (trade fairs, Songs and Dance Festivals etc.).
Be sure, the baltic nations know presenting their traditions in authentic way combined with modern attitude.
Choose your event
- Sartai horserace on the lake
On the first Saturday of February, visit the horserace with very deep traditions, where the teamsters compete on ice! All this at the Dusetos Hippodrome from the water from the nearby lake Sartai. - Independence day
16th of February &
11th of marchBeing just a small country Lithuania has two independence days which is celebrated all over the country. The biggest event take place in Vilnius. - Mardi Gras or Uzgavenes, FebruaryUzgavėnės begins on the night before Ash Wednesday, when an effigy of winter (usually named Morė) is burnt. Devils, witches, goats, the grim reaper, gypsies, and other joyful and frightening characters appear in costumes aiming to scare the winter.
- ST Casimir's Fair or
Kaziuko muge, Marcha large annual folk arts and crafts fair in Vilnius, dating to the beginning of the 17th century. The fair is traditionally held in city's markets and streets on the Sunday nearest to March 4 (Feast of St. Casimir), the anniversary of Saint Casimir's death who is buried in Vilnius Cathedral. - Easter, Aprilpopular celebration as 75% of Lithuanians are Catholics.
Among the other traditions eggs decorating is very alive. The oldest found artificial decorated egg (or "margutis") dates back to the XIII century. The most complicated and beautiful method of decorating is painting the egg with hot wax or scraping ornaments by knife. - Skamba Skamba Kankliai, MayAnual folk festival which takes place in Vilnius since 1973.
It's one the popular international festivals when Lithuanians and city guests flood Vilnius wearing national clothes, performing songs and dances on the open stages and other spaces in Vilnius Old town and around. - Kaunas Hansa Days, maythe celebration of the birthday of the City of Kaunas as well as the union of the New Hansa cities. Welcome to join in with mediaeval culture, music, dances, plays, games and crafts, as well as knights fighting in an international tournament to win a sword of the chief of the Lithuanian army....
- Midsummer Night
Rasos, juneOnce a year chance to experience authentic tradition – the summer solstice Rasos (Dew Holiday) or Jonines (St John's Feast).
The biggest known events are held in Kernave or Verkiai. However the smaller gatherings are organized in all the country. It's all about noting the most fertile and the brightest year moment. - Lithuanian Song Celebrations, julyis an overall national cultural phenomenon and a continual purposeful creative process spiritually equal to ancient Greek Olympic Games.
Since 2008 UNESCO has proclaimed the tradition of the Song and Dance Celebration in Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage. - Mindaugas name or
STATEHOOD DAY, julycelebrates coronation of Mindaugas, who was to become the only King of Lithuania. Various events to discover all over the country.
We recommend Operetta in Kaunas Castle and Days of Live Archeology in Kernave.
Not to be missed – 9 pm, wherever they are, Lithuanians all over the world sing the national anthem for the sake of unity. - Days Of Live Archaeology, julyKernavė archaeological site, inscribed into UNESCO, is an open-air exhibition created by nature and man over many centuries. During the international festival "Days of Live Archaeology", held since 1999, visitors are invited to put their hands on various crafts of prehistoric times and the Middle Ages with the help of masters of craftsmanship.
- Sea Festival & tall ship races '21, Julyis a big explosion of creative energy, which happens in Klaipeda in July of each year. It is a certain peak of the summer, after which everything gradually calms down, slows down, moves towards autumn… The Sea Festival shakes the city up, lures people out of their homes, out of everyday routine to break them free of all restraints, so that they may enjoy and release their dreams into the sky.
- the Assumption or Zoline, augustThe true spirit of this holiday is best felt in the villages: Pivašiūnai, Rumsiskes etc. Every church organizes celebration of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Local people bring along flowers as well as wheat ears, fruits, vegetables and bread as a symbol of the new harvest. Locals use this holiday to meet the family ands close friends. Assumption day combines Christian and pagan Baltic traditions.
- Autumn equinoxWhen the circle of nature comes towards the end, it is time to enjoy the new harvest, give thanks for it, and prepare for the dark period. During the autumn equinox, it is customary to organize markets selling products of the latest harvest. Another attraction of the – the burning of straw sculptures and various fire shows – probably the most impressive of them takes place on the Neris in Vilnius.
- All Saints and All Souls or Velines, novemberA public holiday. Time to commemorate close people who passed away and to spend time with the family. The unique alive tradition to visit the graves and light a candle for those, who had passed away..
For a week time all the Lithuanian cemeteries are being unlighted by the candles lights. - Christmas Eve
(Kucios)There is no other moment of the year more important than the the eve of the 24th of December. Streets stays empty and silent that night. However only the very closest traditionally gather at the table together. Twelve vegetarian dishes, kuciukai, a plate left for the ancestors', divination, other rites and believes are still alive during the Winter Solstice Night. - Christmas Day
(Kaledos)On the Christmas Day people would choose visiting relatives, friends and neighbors. City center, theaters and concert halls get filled by celebrating families and groups of friends. The days start going brighter –time to celebrate! - New Year CelebrationAll December long people keep asking: Whats your plan for the New Year's Eve?... (Ką per Naujus?) – this phrase became a true folk. Choices of preferences on the New Year celebration are really different. After all, where ever you stay, whatever you do, there is no way you could miss the midnight moment because of people loudly celebrating around.
Traditional Events Calendar
FEBRUARY
FEBRUARY
6th of February
6th of February
Sartai Horserace On The Lake
On the first Saturday of February, visit the horserace with very deep traditions, where the teamsters compete on ice! All this at the Dusetos Hippodrome from the water from the nearby lake Sartai.
6th of February
6th of February
Palanga Smelts Festival
Have you heard about the fish that smells like fresh cucumbers? There was a time when fishermen used to lure them into their nets under the ice with songs. These days, the songs are sung on the shore of Palanga.
16th of February
16th of February
Uzgavenes, Mardi Gras or Traditional Shrovetide Carnival
True traditions hunters go to Rumsiskes or Plateliai and celebrate Uzgavenes in a countryside as it were hundred years ago. Jump over fires, watch the legendary fight between winter (Lasininis) and spring (Kanapinis), see the burning of a winter symbol called Morė, and enjoy the traditional songs and dances.
16th of February
16th of February
Independence Day
Though celebrated all over the country the biggest event take place in Vilnius to commemorate the independence the country gained 1918 (till 1939)
MARCH
MARCH
16th of March
16th of March
Independence Day
Independence day is celebrated all over the country. However, the biggest event takes place in Vilnius to commemorate the independence the country gained in 1990.
5th-7th of March
5th-7th of March
St Kazimir's Fair (Kaziuko Muge), Vilnius
Independence day is celebrated all over the country. However, the biggest event takes place in Vilnius to commemorate the independence the country gained in 1990.
APRIL
APRIL
April to September
April to September
Vilnius Open Kitchen, Tymo Market
Open Kitchen is an outdoor food market where different restaurants, cafes and entertainers convene at the Tymo Market near Užupis.
MAY
MAY
25th-30th of May
25th-30th of May
Skamba Skamba Kankliai, Vilnius
Vilnius folk festival since 1973. One of the very few authentic festivals of folk music in Europe.
JUNE
JUNE
all summer long
all summer long
Pažaislis music festival, Kaunas.
From operas to latin rhythms in the most charming open air or closed stages as Kaunas Castle, Kaunas Lagoon park or Pazaislis Monastery.
5th–7th of June
5th–7th of June
Kaunas folk festival „Atataria Lamzdžiai"
Feel the local traditions and folk on the streets, enjoy it with local ensembles.
19th of June
19th of June
Culture Night, Vilnius
Art will invade the streets, galleries and even some unexpected spaces in Vilnius once the sun sets. More than 150 music, dance, theatre, cinema, photography, modern installations and more.
20th of June
20th of June
Herb Market
In addition to purchasing a variety of herbs and other natural products, visitors to this traditional market can enjoy concerts, discussions, educational activities, or even have their future predicted.
23th of June
23th of June
Midsummer night Rasos or St John Feast
Celebrate Summer Solstice in the most authentic way with the communities of locals in Vilnius, Kenave, Plateliai or other places over Lithuania.
En of June
En of June
Dragon boats Festival, Siesikai
The Dragon boats on the lake in front of Siesikai castle. Not only watch – join on for the competitive ride!
JULY
JULY
8th of July – 5th of August
8th of July – 5th of August
Vilnius Carillion Festival
The largest carillon in Central Europe, with 61 bells in the tower of the Church of St. Apostles Philip and Jacob in Vilnius, plays a new tune during this annual festival. Plus, professional carillonists from around the world put on free shows.
19th-21th of July
19th-21th of July
Cherries Festival of Zagare
Traditional festival where local foods and drinks could be discovered among various events lasting few days,
9th-12th of July
9th-12th of July
Vilnius street theater festival "Spot"
Dive into this free street theatre festival by exploring urban spaces and watching a series of performances and installations in the streets and squares of the city.
July to August
July to August
Christopher Summer Festival, Vilnius
The classical music, jazz, experimental projects, and traditional works that are sure to find their way into the hearts of audiences. Let the music take you to the church vaults, under the summer sky, or into Lithuania's lovely nature.
24th July-31th of August
24th July-31th of August
Cinema under the stars, Vilnius
Grab a chair and a cup of coffee, bring your coziest blanket, and watch some Lithuanian movies, documentaries and some of the classics under the stars.
27th-30th of July
27th-30th of July
The Tall Ships Races in Klaipeda
If you're looking for something to do in Klaipeda in June 2021, we'd highly recommend The Tall Ships Races Klaipeda 2021. According to Tall Ships Network, this event will take place in Klaipeda, Lithuania, from Sunday, June 27th to Wednesday, June 30th 2021 as a part of The Tall Ships Races 2021.
30th of July – 1st of August
30th of July – 1st of August
Klaipeda Sea Festival
The Klaipeda Sea Festival usually starts at the end of July or beginning of August and lasts for 3 days. The first Klaipeda Sea Festival was organized in 1934.
AUGUST
AUGUST
15th of August
15th of August
The Assumption or Zolines
The tradition is mostly marked in the rural areas as the first harvest of fruit and berries is sanctified.
20th-23th of August
20th-23th of August
Kaunas ConTempo modern stage art festival
See how the modern art and theater meets in the streets and on the stage
21th-22th of August
21th-22th of August
St Barthlomew market, Vilnius
Step into a time machine and travel back to the Middle Ages with people dressed in Renaissance clothes, old music and crafts. Watch the craftspeople parade and the craft-making demonstrations
SEPTEMBER
SEPTEMBER
4th-6th of September
4th-6th of September
Vilnius City Fiesta
The festival filled with music, good food and culture. Greet the autumn season with live concerts, exceptional shows, and a fair in the heart of the city on Gediminas Avenue.
5th-6th of September
5th-6th of September
Kaunas Carillon Music Festival
The first autumn weekend Kaunas is awaken by the music of the unique Carillon bells
12th of September
12th of September
Vilnius Danske Bank Marathon
It's one of the fastest growing marathons in the Baltics and the biggest running festival in Lithuania. In 2018 the marathon counted over 15 000 participants.
22th of September
22th of September
Autumn Equinox, Vilnius & Juodkrante
For the second time in the year, night becomes as long as the day. Every year, traditional 'goat sacrifice' ceremonies take place that feature ancient music, and the light of huge straw sculptures burning illuminate the sky.
