Mardi Gras Mask Museum

Užgavėnės (Shrove Tuesday) is one of Lithuania’s most distinctive feast days. Harking back to pagan times, it is a day when old winter is driven out by the oncoming spring. And a big part of that festival day, aside from the bonfire on which the effigy of winter is burnt, and the pancakes, of course, are the masks. People don masks of devils, witches, demons and all manner of nasties that represent that dark and the cold. And it's to these masks and the traditions that they represent that this fantastic little museum located in Plateliai Manor is dedicated. Here, you’ll find an impressive collection of 250 of these masks, as well as installations illustrating the traditions and their place in village life. If you come on the right day, you can even try your hand at candle making, or even cook some pancakes! Instructions will probably be given in Lithuanian, though you should be able to follow!