Song FestivalVilnius, Unexpectedly Amazing
Celebrating Lithuanian culture
Lithuanian Song and Dance Celebrations are a national tradition of Lithuanian folk and amateur art.
Once every few years, this cultural phenomenon culminates in a grand national Song Celebration that is held over a week and assembles tens of thousands of singers, dancers, visual artists and spectators from all parts of Lithuania and the rest of the world.
Song FestivalVilnius, Unexpectedly Amazing
Lithuania hosted its first official Song Celebration in Kaunas in 1924, although the tradition itself is much older and goes back to the 19th century.
Song FestivalVilnius, Unexpectedly Amazing
Nowadays, most national festivities are organized across multiple venues (concert halls, stadiums, city squares and parks) in Vilnius and Kaunas, the largest cities of Lithuania.
As soon as one Celebration is over, preparations for the next one begin. Directed by choir conductors and dance instructors, singers and dancers in every town and village of Lithuania practice throughout the years to be even better at the next national Celebration.
Song FestivalVilnius, Unexpectedly Amazing
Traditionally, the Song Celebration spans over a week, the key events being Folklore Day, Ensembles’ Evening, Dance Day, and the big final event – Song Day at Vingis Park Amphitheatre.
Song FestivalVilnius, Unexpectedly Amazing
Folk music and amateur singing and dancing traditions function as a spiritual glue that strengthens the integration of Lithuanian society while also attracting the attention of global society and tourists.
Folk art serves as an engaging and entertaining way to pass the living traditions, customs, and habits from one generation on to the next one.
Song FestivalVilnius, Unexpectedly Amazing
Lithuanian Song Celebration turns 100 in 2024. What does a hundred years mean in the infinity of time?
Song FestivalVilnius, Unexpectedly Amazing
For Lithuania, it has meant walking through historical challenges, growing as a state and as a community, greening like a forest, where every tree has its own voice. Those voices continue to speak of freedom, creativity, and memory.
Song FestivalVilnius, Unexpectedly Amazing
While the world speaks about the value of life, ecology, and consciousness, the Lithuanian Song Celebration wants to also speak about the ecology of culture.
Song FestivalVilnius, Unexpectedly Amazing
It invites all its participants and spectators to choose a life that would allow more lives to continue after us. It hopes that the forest will green forever.
The Song Celebration took place in Lithuania between June 30th and July 6th, 2024. Those who attended experienced something truly special.
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