Vilnius, Lithuania. Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, invites visitors this month with a creative mix of spring-celebrating festivities: ancient traditions of the Lithuanian Shrove Tuesday (Užgavėnės), together with the newly introduced Donut Festival and traditional beginning of spring event Kaziukas Fair of arts, crafts, food and music.
Užgavėnės – the Lithuanian Mardi Gras and Donut Festival (Spurgų Festivalis). On February 13, Vilnius will celebrate Užgavėnės, a festivity marking the retreat of the winter. It’s a loud and joyful celebration that includes various traditional jokes and games. Internationally, Užgavėnės is called Shrove Tuesday or Pancake Day, as delicious pancakes are eaten all day long to ensure health and strength for the whole year. This year, the culinary heritage including sugary yeast pancakes is expanded with a new tradition – donuts, to which a first-time-ever festival will be designated during the same time.
The Donut Festival takes place on February 1st-14th in the Vilnius Old Town. The community of Stiklo Quartier, known for its creative ideas, has decided to usher in the end of winter with a unique feast of donuts, coinciding with the festive spirit of Užgavėnės. This new celebration marks a creative twist on the traditional Užgavėnės cuisine: the Festival features all kinds of international Mardi Gras treats, from Spanish churros to beigels and pancakes with caviar.
Where? Stiklo Quarter, Vilnius Old Town.
The Kaziukas Fair. This Fair occurs on one of the first weekends of March, marking the arrival of spring. This grand city event traces its roots back to the canonization of Lithuanian Grand Duke Casimir in the early 17th century. St. Casimir’s Day, observed on the 4th of March, became a significant occasion, prompting the organization of an annual fair of craftsmen and farmers. Every year, for over 400 years now, vendors, musicians, and visitors sprawl across Vilnius center’s streets, squares, and yards.
The fair, a lively and loud event accompanied by live music performers, offers an array of traditional treats, such as baranka, a warm, ring-shaped roll that serves as a must-have fair accessory. Another visitors’ favorite is the Kaziukas gingerbread, available in various sizes and shapes, with popular options including hearts and miniature Vilnius Gediminas Towers adorned with sweet icing sugar. The fair is also renowned for wickerwork, showcasing baskets of various sizes and styles, woodwork, and other traditional crafts including Easter palms which can be found everywhere, as the city is preparing for the Easter celebration.
Where? Gediminas Street in Vilnius and surrounding areas.
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