Holidays and events of Lithuania. National holidays of Lithuania Farewell to the old year and new hopes: Lithuanian winter holidays

Residents of Lithuania know how and love to have fun, they value traditions and are happy to share their culture with guests. Every season of the year there is a holiday that is celebrated throughout the country in a bright, colorful and unforgettable way.

Spring

The main spring festival is the Kaziukas Fair.

Kaziukas Fair

This large fair is held on the first weekend of March in honor of the patron saint of all Lithuania and protector of artisans, St. Casimir. This tradition is hundreds of years old. The first festive procession of craftsmen, workers from craft workshops, students and nobles was organized back in 1604.

Nowadays, the Kaziukas Fair is a kind of gathering of folk craftsmen from all over the country, as well as Latvia, Russia and Poland. More than 1000 craftsmen take part in it. The holiday begins with a grand procession through the streets of Vilnius, and then artisans fill the streets of the Old Town with their goods. Potters, woodcarvers, blacksmiths, jewelers, weavers, tanners and other craftsmen offer their products to guests of Kazyukas. Required souvenirs:

• "Kazimirki" - beautifully decorated willow branches.
• Gingerbread cookies with biblical text.
• Knitting bagels.
• Amber jewelry.
• Ceramics.
• Household utensils made of woven straw.

Between the shopping arcades, to maintain the strength of the participants and guests of the fair, there are trays with snacks and sweets, they also sell traditional kvass and beer, and treat you to hot wine with spices. The fair is always accompanied by large-scale folk festivities with songs and dances, at which performances by choirs and amateur musicians are held. The main celebration takes place in the heart of the capital.

The Kaziukas Fair turns Vilnius into a pedestrian city for several days, occupying the Town Hall Square, Dzheji, Piles, Vokečia, Rudninka streets and nearby squares with a motley crowd.

Summer

In the summer, Lithuania celebrates several holidays that are celebrated throughout the country.

Jonines

This is one of the most beloved holidays of Lithuanians, rivaled only by Christmas. It is celebrated every year on the day of the summer solstice by the whole country, and the festivities last for 4 whole days - from June 21 to June 24.

The second name of Jonines is Rosos, the festival of dew. This pagan holiday and with its traditions it is very reminiscent of the Belarusian Kupalle, the Russian Ivan Kupala and the Latvian Ligo. On the shortest night of the year, bonfires are lit, wreaths are woven and floated on water, fortune telling and magical rituals are performed. The main one is the search for a blooming fern, which will indicate the place where the treasure is buried.

Another immutable ritual for couples in love is jumping hand in hand through the fire. Whoever decides to do this will live together in complete harmony. Local residents will definitely advise a guest of the country to collect herbs on a wonderful night and take lake water, at which time they acquire healing powers.

All mystical events of the holiday are accompanied by songs and dances in folk costumes, festivals and concerts.

Its traditional epicenter is Vilnius: Verkiai Regional Park and the neighborhoods between the two bridges over Neris - Baltasis and Žaliasis.

During the holiday:

• The tables are set.
• Hot and cold snacks are served.
• The beer flows like a river.

But they celebrate no less fun in other cities, especially in the famous resort Palanga and ancient Kernava.

Statehood Day

Statehood Day in Lithuania falls on July 6th. This date is very important for the inhabitants of the country, since it was on this day in 1252 that Prince Mindaugas was crowned, contributing to the unification of the Lithuanian lands. The holiday is celebrated very solemnly.

A flag-raising ceremony is held at the Presidential Palace in the capital's Daukanto Square. An evening festive mass is held in the Cathedral for residents of the capital and its guests.

After it, all officials are invited to an official government reception. At this time, ordinary people walk less solemnly, but more joyfully. In all cities the following are organized:

• Free concerts in open areas.
• Cafes and restaurants are open.
• Souvenirs with national symbols are sold.

Read what souvenirs you can buy in Vilnius.

Autumn

The autumn months in Lithuania are also interesting for both locals and tourists.

Capital Days

Residents of Lithuania are very sensitive to all symbols of their statehood. Perhaps this is why the holiday dedicated to the capital lasts several days. It falls on the first weekend of September.

The main place of celebration, of course, is Vilnius itself. The center of fun is Gediminas Avenue, or, as they call it these days, Buzzing Avenue. For three days it turns into a huge, cheerful, noisy fair. How not to get confused when you see the huge number of products on offer? Buy whatever your heart desires! The main thing is not to forget about. The real thing can only be tasted at the fair, and store-bought copies can never compare with it.

Two more mandatory items on the shopping list are rustic white cheese with different fillings and the famous Lithuanian black ceramics.

Read more about Lithuanian cheeses in.

And Buzzing Avenue is a large interactive cultural event that has no analogues. During the celebration of Capital Days, many creative groups and artists from different countries. On three stages installed on Gediminas Avenue, the following events take place:

• Concerts.
• Theatrical performances.
• Performances by poets and writers.

Exhibitions of professional artists, sculptors, woodcarvers, etc. are held on the streets of Vilnius. An amusement town is being set up for children and youth, and sports and exhibition basketball games.

Another well-established tradition at the holiday is the book fair, where presentations of new books and meetings with their authors are held.

Days of the autumn equinox

This once purely pagan holiday is now dedicated to honoring the memory of Prince Gediminas, the founder of Vilnius. It is held on September 21 and 22. These days, colorful carnival processions take place on Gediminas Avenue, in which anyone can take part; classical music concerts and theatrical performances are held at three temporary venues. Fairs are held on the streets of the city where the fruits of the autumn harvest are sold.

At nightfall, residents and guests of Vilnius come to the banks of the Neris River to witness a grandiose fire show called the International Fire Sculpture Festival. Large sculptures woven from straw and reminiscent of pagan idols are created by craftsmen from different countries. Everyone can admire them all day long. At night they are set on fire. Fire brings them to life, making the spectacle simply fantastic. Fireworks shoot up from the flames, illuminating the Neris embankment.

Winter

In winter, all Lithuanian cities are transformed, because at this time the most interesting holidays are celebrated.

Blucas Day

On December 22, all of Lithuania celebrates Blukas Day. This is a special character. It looks like a big decrepit stump and symbolizes all the failures, troubles and hardships of the past year. In order not to take them into the New Year, the stump is dragged along all the streets and then burned.

Every Big city On this holiday, the country holds processions of mummers, organizes performances of folklore ensembles and theater groups, and folk festivals. But, of course, they have the most fun in the capital.

Three Kings Day

This holiday has a religious background. It is held on January 6 and is dedicated to the three biblical wise men - Kasparas, Märkelis and Baltazaras. Their huge figures are carried along the streets of Vilnius, and the actors surrounding them portray archangels and shepherds. The procession moves from Ostrobramskie Gate to Cathedral Square. Its participants congratulate the city residents on Christmas and New Year and wish them all the best.

Another tradition is the laying of gifts in a wooden manger erected in front of the main metropolitan cathedral. There, everyone can watch a short play “Bethlehem” about the birth of the baby Jesus.

In all Vilnius cathedrals, on January 6, a chalk consecration ceremony is held. You definitely need to take part in this event, so that you can then draw lightning signs in the house with a white piece and write the initial letters of the names of the Magi, so that they protect the family from harm.

Maslenitsa

Residents of Lithuania celebrate this holiday from February 5 to March 6. These days it is customary to eat a lot of nourishing and fatty foods, and all cafes, restaurants and taverns serve a traditional Maslenitsa dish - pancakes.

On the last day of the holiday, a merry procession of mummers on stilts is organized in Vilnius. And with the onset of darkness, they burn the evil Moret - the soul of the evil winter. The effigy, stuffed with straw, is brought on a cart or wheel. When it lights up, thousands of fireworks fly into the sky. This is how the residents of Lithuania say goodbye to winter.

A great way to feel the spirit of Lithuania, this beautiful Baltic country, is to get acquainted with its cultural and national traditions, becoming a witness and direct participant in the colorful and spectacular Lithuanian holidays.

You can plan your visit to Lithuania at any time of the year, because the locals love and know how to celebrate holidays, and every season of the year the country hosts colorful celebrations of significant events.

How to celebrate spring in Lithuania: spring holidays

The arrival of spring is celebrated in Lithuania with a beautiful and vibrant holiday – the Kaziukas Fair. The event, which dates back to the beginning of the 17th century, is dedicated to the patron saint of Lithuania and Slavic artisans - Saint Casimir. His day is celebrated March 4.

On the first weekend in March, a festive procession takes place through the streets of Vilnius. folk craftsmen, and then the fair fills the main streets of the Old Town. Bidding is collected from more than a thousand craftsmen from all over the country.

The following demonstrate their skills to numerous guests of the fair:

• potters;
• jewelers;
• blacksmiths;
• tanners;
• weavers;
• woodcarvers and other artisans.

The greatest demand is:

• amber jewelry;
• ceramics;
• wood and leather products;
• as well as household utensils made from straw.

On every corner you can buy “kazimirki” - original willow branches and gingerbread cookies with biblical texts. You can try it at the fair national Lithuanian dishes and drinks, enjoy the talent of local musicians.

Folk festivals and performances by national groups create a real spring mood.

Location: main streets and squares of the Old Town in Vilnius.

Towards the sun: Lithuanian summer holidays

Summer in Lithuania is filled with bright, warm, sunny events that the whole country celebrates. And it’s great if your holiday in this country falls on summer period, because you can become a participant in amazing and spectacular events!

June 23: Jonines

The traditions of the most beloved and widely celebrated holiday, Jonines, go back as far as in pre-Christian Lithuania, times of pagan worship of the forces of nature.

Initially, the day of the summer solstice was called the holiday of Rasos, sometimes it was called Kupolines, since on the night of June 23-24, local healers collected medicinal herbs, called kupala, which had special powers.

After the introduction of Christianity, this day became identified with St. Jonas.

Today Jonines is widely celebrated from June 21 to 24 in all corners of Lithuania, but it is celebrated on a special scale in the ancient capital of Lithuania - Kernavė (the national reserve is located 35 km from Vilnius).

During the whole day Jonasov and Yanin are honored, there are numerous exhibitions and opening days, performances by folk groups, and fairs.

The most short night in the year in which, according to legend, one should not sleep, literally imbued with mysticism and magic. You can:

• admire the national costumes;
• get acquainted with ancient customs;
• take part in seeing off the Sun, love fortune-telling;
• enjoy spectacular fire rituals;
• weave wreaths and lower them into the water.

Feel your unity with nature and feel the spirit of the Lithuanian people on Jonines.

Location: all settlements of Lithuania, Kernavsky National Park.

In Vilnius– the area between the White (Baltasis) and Green (Žaliasis) bridges over the Neris River.

July 6: Statehood Day

On the day of the Coronation of Prince Mindaugas, a holy mass is celebrated in the main cathedral of the country, and state celebrations are held. The following events are held in Vilnius:

• knightly tournaments;
• craft fairs;
• numerous master classes introducing the secrets of ancient Lithuanian crafts.

In the Kernavsky Nature Reserve there is a very interesting archaeological festival– days of living archeology. In the evening, you can witness the collective performance of the anthem - Lithuanians gather in different places of the capital to sing together the main song of the country.

Location: streets of the Old Town in Vilnius, Kernavsky National Nature Reserve.

Autumn national holidays in Lithuania

Autumn in Lithuania is no less interesting. Fascinating and eventful Days of the Capital await you, as well as enchanting and unforgettable days autumn equinox.

First weekend of September: Capital Days

in succession autumn holidays opens the Capital Days, the most diverse holiday in Lithuania. During these days Vilnius is bustling with life. They replace each other:

• numerous theatrical performances;
• sporting events;
• international exhibitions;
• charity events;
• beer festival.

You should definitely visit the Town Hall Square - this is where you can turn back time and plunge into amazing medieval atmosphere: at the Pranciskus fair you can spend hours admiring the various goods of local craftsmen, enjoying concerts of folk dance ensembles and song groups that take place right there on the square.

And in the evening it is worth seeing the stunningly beautiful fireworks that crown the holiday.

Location: streets and squares of the Old Town in Vilnius.

September 21-22: Days of the autumnal equinox (Rudens lygiadienis)

The festive events are dedicated to the memory of the founder of Vilnius, Prince Gediminas. On this day you can:

• join the ranks of the noisy and colorful carnival procession along Gediminas Avenue;
• listen to classical music concerts;
• see theatrical performances at specially organized temporary venues;
• take part in traditional fairs of autumn goods.

In the evening you can witness an enchanting show, a fusion of fire and music - International Festival of Fire Sculptures. Huge sculptures are installed on the banks of Neris.

Created by professional artists, when ignited, the sculptures come to life, and multi-colored fireworks burst out of the fire.

Location: streets and squares of Vilnius, embankment of the Neris River.

Farewell to the old year and new hopes: Lithuanian winter holidays

Winter cannot be boring and dull in a country where Blucas Day, Three Kings Day and, of course, Maslenitsa are celebrated. All Lithuanian cities are transformed and filled with fun, noisy games and amusements, and spectacular performances.

It will help you get from the capital of Russia to the capital of Lithuania. You can find out everything important and useful about it from us.

But the fastest way to get to Vilnius is through the aviation services of the main Lithuanian airport - read detailed information about this.

In addition, on our website you can find everything about holidays in Lithuania. For example, in this article we will tell you everything about spa treatment in this country.

December 23: Blucas Day

Do you want to start new life, get rid of the burden of problems and worries? This is easy to do by taking part in the celebration of Blucas Day - fun party, accompanied folk festivals, goes back to an ancient Lithuanian custom.

On this day, after the end of the season of household work, Blukas was dragged around all the yards - an old stump, symbolizing unfinished worries. Tree stump in the evening burned to jokes.

In this way, Lithuanians prepared for the New Year and celebrated the arrival of a new time - a gradual increase in daylight hours. Today, a variety of mummers, theater groups and folklore ensembles participate in the holiday.

By becoming a participant in the traditional burning of Blucas, you can leave all your problems in the past and good mood celebrate Christmas and New Year holidays.

Location:

January 6: Epiphany, or Three Kings Day (Trys karaliali)

On the day of the Epiphany of the Lord, a bright theatrical performance takes place in the center of Vilnius: three “kings” - Kasparas, Merkelis and Baltazaras - solemnly parade with shepherds and the archangel from Ostrobramskie Gate to Cathedral Square.

There they bring gifts to the manger and wish the city a successful and fruitful year. The culmination of the action is a performance based on the biblical story about the gifts of the Magi to the newborn King.

On this day, Lithuanians attend a solemn mass, blessing water, incense and chalk. With chalk, which is kept at home all year, residents write the initial letters of the names of the Magi on the doors of their houses, believing that this will protect the house from evil spirits.

Location: center of Vilnius, Cathedral Square.

Seven weeks before Easter: Maslenitsa (Užgavėnės)

On Forgiveness Tuesday, one of the most favorite holidays for children and adults, you can:

• take part in numerous Maslenitsa fun and competitions;
• ride in carriages;
• lead round dances;
• laugh at the jokes of the main characters of the holiday, Kanapinis and Lašininis;
• have a lot of fun at the performances of the participants in the traditional goat competition.

Get to know each other with locals folk traditions – Spend the winter cheerfully and cheerfully with the Lithuanians.

Be sure to visit Zagovenje at the crafts fair:

• Treat yourself to delicious pancakes baked according to unique recipes;
• listen to performances by children's folklore ensembles;
• appreciate the masks of numerous mummers;
• try on one of the masks yourself;
• take part in the main event of the holiday - the burning of the straw effigy of Mora.

Location: Vilnius and other cities of Lithuania.

Popular national holidays with long-standing traditions allow all guests of the country to get acquainted with the rich local culture, feel its spirit and fall in love with the amazingly hospitable Lithuania.

Whether you want to see traditional folk dancing, listen to the latest jazz or attend an international art exhibition, you will find it all in Lithuania. Most of the cultural life takes place in Vilnius, but this does not mean that nothing happens in other cities. Information about the cultural life of Lithuania on English language can be found on the website www.culture.lt.

January

Epiphany, Vilnius. Three biblical wise men walk through the streets of the city, blessing children and distributing gifts.

Horse racing on Lake Sartai. The races take place on the frozen lake Sartai near Utena. Sometimes horse races are held in the city of Duestos. The first races take place in January. They select participants in the national races, which are held on the first Saturday of February;

Baptism in Vilnius

February

Lithuanian Independence Day. Public Holiday In honor of gaining independence, it is celebrated on February 16 throughout the country. Each region celebrates the revival of the Lithuanian state in its own way; www.lrkm.lt.

Vilnius book exhibition. This is the largest annual book exhibition in the Baltic region. More than 50,000 people visit it annually. The exhibition is held by the Lithuanian Publishers Association at the Lit-expo center; www.litexpo.lt.

March

Kaziukas street fair, Vilnius. On the first weekend of March, a traditional fair of folk crafts and crafts is held, dedicated to the patron saint of Lithuania, St. Casimir. This tradition is over 400 years old. The holiday is celebrated throughout the city; www.turizmas.vilnius.lt.

The vernal equinox. In a day spring equinox (March 20-21) Lithuanians plant trees and raise the Flag of the Earth; www.lrkm.lt.

April

International Jazz Festival, Kaunas. This is one of the most popular jazz festivals in Europe, featuring famous performers; www.kaunasjazz.lt.

International Dance Festival, Vilnius. One of the most interesting festivals in the Baltic states. This is a real celebration of the new Baltic dance; www. turizmas. Vilnius. It.

May

International Folklore Festival (Skamba, Skamba Kankliai), Vilnius. At the end of May, a festival is held, which brings together folk groups from all over Lithuania and other countries. Concerts take place right on the streets of the Old Town; www.turizmas.vilnius.lt.

June

Vilnius festival. Since 1997, a festival has been held in Vilnius every summer. It starts in June and continues throughout July. Famous classical music performers take part in the festival. Every year the festival is dedicated new topic. Concerts take place at the National Opera and Ballet Theatre, in the Great Courtyard of Vilnius University and in the Bernardine Church, www. turizmas.vilnius.lt.

Night of St. John (Jonines). This holiday takes place on the summer solstice. Bonfires are lit everywhere, folk songs are sung and pagan rituals are performed; www.lrkm.lt.

August

Annual country music festival, Visaginas. In the young city of Visaginas (he is only 30 years old), located near the border with Latvia and Belarus, is an international country music festival that is a must see. The most eccentric event of the year; www.visaginocountry.lt.

Summer music Festival St. Christopher, Vilnius. Works of classical and popular music are performed at the concerts. You can attend an organ concert or listen to jazz; www.turizmas.vilnius.lt.

September

International Jazz Festival, Vilnius. Lithuania occupies a prominent place in the world of jazz. This is the oldest annual festival held in Vilnius; www.vilniusjazz.lt.

November

December

Feast of Blucas. This holiday is celebrated on the shortest day of the year, December 23. Old logs, symbolizing evil spirits, are thrown out into the street, and then bonfires are lit. Christmas mysteries are played in Vilnius; www.lrkm.lt.

Public holidays in Lithuania

• 1st of January - New Year and Lithuanian Flag Day
• February 16 - Day of Restoration of Statehood of Lithuania
• March 11 - Day of Restoration of Independence of Lithuania
• March/April - Easter, Easter Monday
• May 1 - International Labor Day
• June 14 - Day of National Sorrow and Hope
• June 23-24 - Jonines - Feast of St. John (Ivan Kupala)
• July 6 - Statehood Day in Lithuania (timed to coincide with the coronation day of Mindaugas)
• August 15 - Jolin - Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
• August 23 - Mourning Ribbon Day (Day of the conclusion of the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact)
• September 8 - Coronation Day of Vytautas the Great
• October 25 - Constitution Day of Lithuania
• November 1 - Velines - All Saints Day
• December 24-25 - Kaledos - Catholic Christmas