Page 215 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Estonia Latvia & Lithuania

LITHU ANIA THROUGH THE Y EAR  213

Vilnius Jazz (mid-Oct). Jazz,
blues and swing are per formed
by talented contemporary
Lithuanian musicians and
singers at this festival.

Winter
Lithuania looks stunning in winter
as it is often covered in a blanket
of snow. However, the chill does
not curb the festive spirit.
November
Scanorama (mid-Nov), Vilnius.
Guards at the Presidential Palace in Vilnius, on Statehood Day Scandinavian films take over the
capital’s multiplexes for this
August September annual 10-day film festival.
Christopher’s Guitars, Vilnius. Mushroom Festival (late Sep),
A festival featuring classical Varėna. A traditional festival December
guitar and flamenco concerts dedicated to mush rooms Christmas (24–26 Dec). The
as its highlight. that includes the Lithuanian festivities culminate in most
Mėnuo Juodaragis (late Aug). Mushroom-Picking homes with a 12-course meat-
Translated as “Black Horned Championship. free meal on Christmas Eve.
Moon”, this annual musical Fire Sculptures Festival Christmas Day is cele brated with
event of folk, metal and (21–23 Sep). Straw figures are mass in church, and concerts.
elect ronica is held in a different set alight at night in this festival New Year’s Eve (31 Dec).
location every 3 years. that honours Grand Duke Celebrations and parties take
Capital Days (late Aug–Sep), Gediminas and also cele brates place throughout the country,
Vilnius. A multi-art event during the autumn equinox. and at the stroke of midnight
which Gedimino Avenue is fireworks light up the sky.
flooded with crafts and food October
stalls, while the squares of Sirenos Theatre Festival January
central Vilnius become rock (Oct), Vilnius. Works by Epiphany (6 Jan), Vilnius. Shortly
and pop music venues. international and local artists after New Year, a colourful pro-
are showcased. cession of the Three Kings graces
International Festival of the streets of the Old Town.
Autumn
Modern Dance (early Oct),
Autumn, which is from mid- Kaunas. A festival of free-style February
September to December, is a contemporary dance, it attracts Užgavėnės (mid-Feb). People
visual treat. However, there are the best dancers from all over throughout Lithuania don
fewer annual events. the world. masks of witches, devils, goats
and other creatures and feast on
heartwarmingly rich food in this
farewell to winter.
Public Holidays
New Year’s Day (1 Jan)
Independence Day (16 Feb)
Restoration of
Independence (11 Mar)
Easter (Mar/April)
Labour Day (1 May)
Midsummer’s Day (23 Jun)
Joninės (24 Jun)
Statehood Day (6 Jul)
Assumption Day (15 Aug)
All Saints’ Day (1 Nov)
Christmas (24–26 Dec)
Musicians jamming at the Vilnius Jazz festival

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