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Events diary 2009
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January (6th) |
The Three Kings Day (Epiphany) It is an impressive mystery performance which symbolises the end of the winter holidays. The Three Kings (the three wise men of Gospels) pass through the Old town and wish residents good health, peace and wellbeing. http://www.vilnius-tourism.lt/
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February |
Traditional winter horse racing in Sartai It is necessary to visit Zarasai region in the middle of winter to meet nearly half of Lithuanians getting ready for the Winter horse racing. Local people deserve to be proud: traditional horseracing crossed the boundaries of Zarasai region long ago and has become one of the most spectacular events in Lithuania.
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March 01-02 (1st weekend) |
Kaziukas fair The fair, originated from the day of St. casimir, the guardian of Lithuania, has been in existence for over 400 years. This is the largest occasion for traditional craftsmen to present their work to visitors. It is also a celebration which embraces all areas of the Old Town. http://www.vilnius-tourism.lt/
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April 13-17 |
International film Festival "Cinema Spring" Eleven years already, international film festival "Cinema Spring" shows world wide known, mostly awarded non commercial films. "Cinema Spring" film program includes movies that are selected from the best film festivals all over the world (Cannes, San Sebastian, Venice, Toronto, Locarno etc.).
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April 24-28 |
Kaunas Jazz festival Every year Kaunas jazz festival changes the image of the city: hundreds of high-spirited people fill in the city to enjoy sound of jazz.
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May-December |
5th International festival "Kaunas photo'08" Exhibitions, photo night, and joint projects - a blend of the archive and modern world bringing the past and present-day world into sharp focus.
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May 03 (1st Saturday)
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Street Music Day in Vilnius This is a festival, unifying all people speaking the most universal language in the world - the language of music. Professional musicians and amateurs pour out into the streets, yards and parks and squares. Armed with all possible kinds of musical instruments they play jazz, rock, vanguard, folk, beat African rhythms and sing poetical verses. This is a day involving all Lithuanian cities and towns in a festive event of free creativity, musicians and contact with the public.
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May 03-12 |
New Baltic Dance '08 in Vilnius The largest event of contemporary dance in the Baltic States. Festival attracts participants from all countries and continents.
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May 20-25 |
Kaunas City Day One of the most significant cultural events that has been organised in Kaunas for several years in a row is the birthday of Kaunas city. The main events of the festival take place in the streets and squares of the Old Town on the 18th, 19th and 20th of May.
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May 18 - June 01 |
International poetry festival "Poetry Spring" in Vilnius Held since 1966. Lithuanian and foreign poets of different generations deliver about one hundred readings in various venues of the city.
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May 29 - June 01 |
Folk music festival "Skamba Skamba kankliai" in Vilnius. The 35th annual international folklore festival will present folk groups from Europe and Asia. Evenings of light singing, guest concerts, dancing at night, and various exhibitions.
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June |
Vilnius festival 2008 Annual festival features Classical music and world-famous performers.
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June 01 - August 31 |
Pazaislis Music festival in Kaunas Since 1996 when the first Pažaislis music festival took place a lot of representatives of music elite had visited Lithuania. Festival is famous for the fact, that the listeners of the most particular taste may find in the schedule of the festival something what interests them, starting from the old music and finishing with jazz, from the subtle chamber music to the grand vocal instrumental pieces, from the modern music premieres to the impressive pageants of Lithuanian dramaturgy in the approaches of Kaunas Castle.
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June 07-08 |
Medieval Festival of Trakai Castle On the territory of the Peninsular Castle guests may visit workshops temporarily set by craftsmen. Prime focus of this event is knights‘fights with swords, bats and battleaxes. Gourmands have a chance to taste dishes, appreciated by people who lived in the Middle Ages.
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June 21 - 22 |
Let there be night! The new tradition of a night of culture in Vilnius - from 6 pm till 6 am - presents an ocean of events which are organized and held in many parts of the capital. This is the event that keeps people awake in the most cultured way: by means of film, dance, theatre, exhibitions, children's creativity sessions, museums and classical music.
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June 23-24 |
The Feast of St. John The traditional Lithuanian feast Midsummer's Day. During the feast, wreaths are made and floated down the river, herb markets and herbal magic take place. Wheels and gates twined with herbs are the symbol of Joninės.
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July 01 -August 28 |
Vilnius - St Christopher Summer Music Festival This annual festival features concerts of organ and symphonic music, jazz, choirs and wind ensemble performances. Famous international soloists and groups. http://www.vilnius-tourism.lt/
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July 06 |
The Coronation of king Mindaugas - Day of Statehood Days of Live Archeology are organized at the foot of Gediminas Hill and in the Old town. Many concerts and fairs are held in all cities.
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July 12 |
Cucumber Festival Kėdainiai is the capital of cucumbers that is why every year here takes place the only and unique Cucumber Festival. During the festival you can visit a nice fair, the main accent of which are originally presented meals from cucumbers. Here you will be treated the only alcohol cucumber drink in Lithuania. During the festival Cucumber king is chosen. Candidates to Cucumber region king's title gaily and seriously explain who knows cucumber-growing subtleties better. Festival is accomplished not only by a snappy word, but also by the songs and dances.
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July 12-19 . |
International Thomas Mann art festival in Nida |
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July 18-19 |
Fishermens‘ celebration in Juodkrante |
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July 25-27 |
The Sea Festival in Klaipeda A massive fiesta of music, dances, crafts and good emotions at the seaport of Lithuania. The festival usually takes place at the same time as Klaipeda city anniversary. www.klaipedainfo.lt , http://www.svente.lt/
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August 23-24 |
Hansa Kaunas 2008 The Midlle Ages, the knights, and Hansa markets in Kaunas downtown.
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September 04-07 |
Days of the Capital City Vilnius City festival, with carnivals, fairs, concerts and fireworks in the streets and squares of the city. This festival was recognized as the best city festival of the year in 2004
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September 27 |
Mushrooms festival Cheerful programs, markets and other merriments under the sky, folk art market, sport competition, show of the cars, demonstration of the motorbikes, program for the children and all family.
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September 19 - 21 |
Art in Unexpected Spaces This is the project changing the face of Vilnius, putting works of art into unexpected spaces in the city and it's - live! Vilnius becomes a studio of unconventional creative works where familiar buildings, parks and squares assume unexpected aspects.
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September 21-22 |
Autumn Equinox events dedicated to Gediminas' feast and the Autumn Equinox. Vilnius Colors Carnival. Days of the Regions. International Festival of Fire Sculptures.
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September 25 - October 12 |
The Sirens in Vilnius International theatre festival presents provoking and challenging modern European theatre and new impressive projects.
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October 09-12 |
Vilnius Jazz festival Attracting an audience of around 7000 each year, Vilnius Jazz has played a formative role for several generations of jazz fans. This is the oldest annual jazz event in Vilnius recognized by world critics and described as threshold between east and West.
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October 24 - November 8
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IMMC (International Modern Music Community). World Music Days will be held for the first time in the Baltic countries. The purpose of the event is to present the creative works which cross and bring together the limits of genres, traditions, art forms or customary usage.
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November 07 - 09
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International Festival of Light LUX Combination of science, nature and the arts to reveal the mysterious world of light and colours. Artists, medical specialists, scientists and schoolchildren will defeat the traditional November sadness and create a new phenomenon - luxury of LUX.
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December |
Christmas in the Capital Lighting the Christmas tree and the TV tower -"The tallest Christmas tree", meeting Santa Claus in Cathedral Square. Christmas music events in Vilnius churches and concerts halls. |
