Shrovetide Carnival (Užgavėnės)



Photographers: Keiichi Kagi, and Egidijus Skiparis. Photos courtesy of Vilnius center of ethnic culture
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Country and Region Lithuania — Vilnius
Type of Festival Dance, Music
Location of Festival Vilnius, Vilnius, Lithuania
Festival Address Information

Užgavėnės
Vilniaus etnines kulturos centras
Pamenkalnio g. 34,
Vilnius, LT-01114
Lithuania
Phone/fax: +370 5 279 1287
Email: kristina@etno.lt

Festival Description

Shrovetide is a traditional holiday of the Lithuanian calendar. The street carnival takes place in the old town and is one of the merriest festivals. The cheerful festivities of the outdoor fete begins in the afternoon and by the evening Carnivalists spree (masquarade) and join in a procession that leads to the highlight of festivities—to send off the ghost ”Morė” with a ceremonial burning. Vivacious plays (including—Jorė, Kūlgrinda, Ūla, Versme, Ratilio, Vilniaus dzūkuliai, Gija, Giedra, Dobilio, Nalšia, Apinys, and Arinuška), adult folklore ensembles of Vilnius city, and folklore groups including Vertumnieki from Latvia, and Dunkelfolket, from Denmark join in the festivities. An exhibition of Shrovetide masks, ethno-cinema, traditional parties with dancing and singing create a wonderful holiday atmosphere…

Festival Dates February 1 - 2, 2008
Festival Links

http://www.etno.lt

Festival Events:

Program 2008:
  • Friday, February 1, 5:00pm (17.00)
    • Opening of exhibition of Shrovetide masks which includes maskmakers from Denmark, Latvia and Lithuania.
      Venue—Halls of “Kurininku ramove (Parnenkalnis str. 13)
  • Friday, February 1, 5:30pm (17.30)
    • Shrovetide carnival in the cultures of European nations, Etno-cinema — Shrovetide in Denmark, Latvia, and Lithuania.
  • Friday, February 1, 7:00pm (19.00)
    • Performances of guests from foreign countries, heritage of Lithuanian culinary, and traditional party.
  • Saturday, February 2, 3:00pm (15.00)
    • All carnivalists spree (Masquerade) in Pilis, Didzioji, Vokieciu streets
      Venue—Town hall, and Park of Sereikiskes
  • Saturday, February 2, 4:00pm (16.00)
    • Performances of Vilnius city folklore ensembles and guests from Denmark and Latvia near the town hall.
  • Saturday, February 2, 5:00pm (17.00)
    • Carnivalists’ procession through Didzioji, Pilis streets to the Park of Sereikiskes.
  • Saturday, February 2, 5:30pm-6:00pm (17.30 -18.00)
    • Ceremony of burning ghost ”Morė” in the Park of Sereikiskes.
  • Note: All carnival events are free.

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