Lithuania Events and Festivals
January
Republic Winter Festival: held each January in the village of Ignalina, this popular event features dancing, feasting, music, street processions and the wearing of masks by those who participate. The masks, which are an integral part of the festival, are made by hand, and many are quite intricate in design.
February
Independence Day: a national holiday for the country, this celebration is held on 16 February. In addition to festivities in communities throughout Lithuania, this is considered a time for reflection and gratitude, as well as looking forward with hope.
 Mardi Gras: marking the end of the winter season, this is one of the liveliest festivals seen in Vilnius. Marking the end of winter and the beginning of spring, the celebrations include street parties that last well into the night.
March
 Kaziukas Fair:the fair isheld in communities around the country in early March, on the day honouring St Kazimieras, the patron saint of Lithuania. Some of the finest traditional arts and crafts from around the country are featured.
April
 International Jazz Festival: jazz lovers from all corners of Europe come to Kaunas in April for this series of concerts that features international names in jazz. In addition to the concerts, there are workshops and lessons on offer.
 Folklore Festival: parties, handicraft fairs and traditional foods are the mainstays of this festival. Concerts, discos, parades and street dancing provide plenty to do in the evenings during this celebration.
May
International Children’s and Youth Theatre Festival: children from Lithuania, Russia and the Nordic region come together in Vilnius in a celebration of music, dance and theatre. They perform for an international crowd, celebrating children and youth around the world.
 Folk Music Festival:held in Zarasai, this popular folk festival is a one-of-a-kind event for Lithuania. One of the main goals of the event is the preservation of Lithuanian folk music traditions. Local musicians join together in performances at venues across the town.
June
 Vilnius Festival: this festival of classical music has been held annually for more than a decade and features a number of the top performers in the world. Lithuanian national institutions also take part, including the National Opera and Ballet Theatre Company and the National Philharmonic. The concert series continues through the month of June at various venues in the capital.
Summer Festival: symbolising the beginning of summer, this festival that’s held in Palanga features competitions and games, concerts, fireworks displays, a handicraft fair and street performers.
July
Anyksciai Town Birthday and St Ann’s Feast: the birthday of this small, traditional town is celebrated with a fair and exhibitions, fire and water shows, dancing, feasting and concerts.
 Cucumber Festival: a unique festival in Lithuania, and possibly one of the few of its kind anywhere, this celebration of cucumbers is held annually in Kedainiai. The town is known as ‘Cucumber Town’ and during the festivities you can sample all sorts of dishes made from cucumbers and taste the town’s interesting cucumber liqueur.
August
 Ice Cream Festival: not only is Kedainiai known for its cucumbers, but it holds a popular ice cream festival every August. Ice cream makers throughout the town offer samples and discounted sales of their top flavours. Concerts are staged around the town and street entertainers add to the cheery atmosphere.
September
Dzukija Crafts Festival:the art of making traditional handcrafts is featured during this local festival, with the goal of preserving and reviving authentic Dzukija craft traditions. The craft trade was a mainstay of the local economy in the early 20th century.
October
Theatre Festival: this festival is noted as featuring some of the best performances in Lithuanian theatre. Held in Alytus, visitors from around Europe come to see the productions and to meet the actors, directors and playwrights.
December
 Christmas:Christmas is a festive time in Lithuania and a time for families to get together, attending traditional religious services, giving and receiving gifts and enjoying typical, delicious holiday foods. For the last half of December, most normal activity gives way in preparation for this important holiday time.
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