Lithuania – the land of music, food and one-of-a-kind traditions

Suppose you are looking for something full of culture and tradition yet exciting and full of atmosphere. In that case, Lithuania might be your next travel destination where unexpected things are celebrated for their individuality and visitors flock to experience one-of-a-kind traditions.

Feast on Smelt in Palanga

The port city, Palanga, has a lot to offer regardless of the time you visit. From the Amber Museum and multiple wellness centres which allure visitors year-round to summer concerts, plays, artistic performances, and local restaurants serving culturally rich foods, visitors will find an abundance of activities to enjoy.

If visiting in the winter months, the annual Palanga’s Smelt Festival is well worth a visit. Enjoy all types of smelt dishes and appreciate the skills of Lithuanian fishermen in the annual competition. Feeling brave? Guests will have the opportunity to attempt to catch a smelt themselves. Mark 7-9 February 2025 in the calendar for the next Smelt Festival in Palanga!

Chase Winter Away at Mardi Gras Festival in Rumsiskes

In February or the beginning of March, when individuals start longing for the warmth of spring, it is time to chase winter away with a blast. The biggest Mardi Gras, or “Užgavėnės” as known in Lithuania, takes place in the Rumsiskes Open-Air Museum of Lithuania, one of the largest ethnographic open-air museums in Europe and is a delight for the stomach as well as the eyes. Here, guests will witness the legendary fight between “Lašininis” (Bacon) and “Kanapinis” (Hemp) being set on fire as a symbol for banishing winter’s burdens. Throughout the evening guests can relish the taste of Lithuanian pancake variations and dance the winter away.

Another distinctive feature of this ancient festival is cosplayers. But you won’t see Batman or Superman here. Instead, be amazed by the attire of various Lithuanian witches, devils and doctor cosplayers. It is believed that every mask serves its purpose. Didn’t have time to dress up? Visitors can test their creative skills in mask-making workshops or appreciate the sound of Lithuanian folk songs.

A Tribute to Cold Beetroot Soup – Vilnius Pink Soup Fest

Keep calm and eat pink soup – the punchline of the annual festival which takes place at the beginning of June in Vilnius. Celebrating Lithuania’s national dish – cold beetroot soup, the festival is a celebratory event whereby locals and visitors gather to taste a traditional dish with modern twists. Restaurants, cafes, hotels and bars - each business takes its hand at serving the refreshing summer dish, known for its vibrant pink hue. Made from beetroots, kefir, milk, cucumbers, scallions, and dill and served alongside potatoes and eggs - it’ll be sure to tantalise the tastebuds.

During the event, rising and already famous Lithuanian bands will keep spirits lifted high. If that’s not entertainment enough, visitors can ride and slide the special 50-meter-long, two-lane cold pink soup slide down Artillery Bastion Hill or put on their best dress and win a prize for a soup-inspired costume. What’s more, waiters in pink will be running in the annual marathon - it’s not to be missed.

Let the Songs Wander Away in the Valley of Songs in Kaunas

This June, Lithuania commemorated the 100th Anniversary of the Lithuanian Song Celebration, an event that brings together not only Lithuanians but fellow Baltic neighbours, Latvians and Estonians. More than 90 bands and musical associations participate in this significant festival – the symbol of Lithuanians’ unity through national folk dance and songs. The scale, sheer emotion, and synchronisation of thousands of people singing the songs dear to the nation will leave few emotionally untouched.

Visitors encountered the Lithuanian national character in the magnificent musical moment, Anniversary Song Day “Hills Green with Forests”, taking place in the former capital of Lithuania, Kaunas. Kaunas is the city where the first Lithuanian Song Celebration took place on August 23rd and 25th, 1924. The event "Song Day" was opened by President Aleksandras Stulginskis, who proposed singing the Lithuanian anthem. A choir of 3500 singers, accompanied by a cheering crowd of tens of thousands, performed at the event.

Despite the events over the past hundred years, the tradition of gathering to sing has remained constant and the Lithuanian Song Celebration has evolved and expanded its program. However, Kaunas has always held a special significance in the history of the Celebration. Today, the Song Day in Kaunas is smaller in scale compared to the Vilnius event but is equally warm and intimate.

The Anniversary Song Day "Hills Green with Forests" was inspired by past leaders of the Song Celebration and aimed to tell a story of unity through music, performed by 4,000 artists. The visual program evoked images of nature and sustainability, encouraging the audience to dream of a flourishing Earth.

Greeting Mermaids and Neptune in the Sea Festival in Klaipeda

Every year, at the end of July (26-28th this year) Klaipeda immerses itself in its grand Sea Festival. Visitors will be carried away by songs and sounds echoing from different musical instruments, whilst admiring local craftsmen’s masterpieces, art exhibitions, and a short film festival. In addition, there is a feast to be enjoyed with smoked fish, various fish meals and other traditional dishes. Each year, the port city becomes a magnet for local and foreign musicians and local designers showing off their gorgeous attire and accessories. Children are also welcome with multiple attractions to keep their attention. In addition, guests will have an exclusive chance to board a cruise on one of the various sailing ships.

Finally, Klaipėda’s Sea Festival has become the largest Lithuanian summer festival, attracting approximately half a million attendees from Lithuania and beyond and is a must-see when visiting the country. The phenomenal festival hosts over 100 engaging events, including parades, exhibitions, concerts and street fairs inviting you to spend an entertaining weekend by the Baltic Sea.

For its variety of leisure activities, Lithuania is a great choice for a holiday full of culture, tradition and one-of-a-kind festivities. Whether you wander away into beautiful forests or cosy old towns or experience unique Lithuanian tastes and traditions - there is something for everyone.