Vilnius Cathedral during the celebration by Saulius ŽiūraVilnius, Unexpectedly Amazing
January 25, 1323
The Grand Duke Gediminas sent his famous letters, introducing Vilnius to the world, marking the city's birthday.
Vilnius Cathedral during the celebrationVilnius, Unexpectedly Amazing
January 25, 2023
Vilnius celebrated being 700 years young so loudly, that it has to apologise to its neighbours.
Light Festival in Vilnius by Eitvydas KinaitisVilnius, Unexpectedly Amazing
Born from legends, the city is now creating new traditions and legends.
No wonder that 700 year young Vilnius began celebrating earlier - the 699th birthday marked the start of the anniversary year's anticipation and kicked off an event marathon.
Light Festival in Vilnius by Eitvydas KinaitisVilnius, Unexpectedly Amazing
The 4.5-meter-tall light man, Dundas, the invited guest of Vilnius' birthday, not only illuminated the city but also kindled warmth in people's hearts.
The guardian of the clock didn’t leave Vilnius just after the lighting ceremony. He made an appearance in the Vilnius Light Festival bringing light to Vilnius and surprising everyone with innovation. He left behind a gift - a light clock.
Vilnius Cathedral during the celebration by Saulius ŽiūraVilnius, Unexpectedly Amazing
Vilnius 700
For the whole year passersby could observe the approaching Vilnius' anniversary - the time on screen changed, and shaped into new numbers - the remaining days until the 700th anniversary.
Watching the countdown became a hypnotizing experience culminating into a celebration!
Vilnius Cathedral during the celebrationVilnius, Unexpectedly Amazing
Vilnius’ anniversary commenced in the Cathedral square with the opening of the "Portal of Time".
The audience witnessed a special anniversary concert, featuring a variety of generations and musical styles that told unheard Vilnius stories and touched on current topics.
Gediminas TowerVilnius, Unexpectedly Amazing
The Vilnius Light Festival and the city's birthday celebration were launched in the Gediminas Tower, adorned with a crown of light visible from the farthest corners of the capital.
Light Festival in VilniusVilnius, Unexpectedly Amazing
Vilnius 700
Light has an important meaning to Vilnius. Instead of birthday fireworks, the Vilnius Light Festival has become a tradition to celebrate the city’s birthday.
At the darkest time of the year the whole city lights up with artistic installations and laser shows.
Vilnius 700th Birthday Christmas TreeVilnius, Unexpectedly Amazing
Another famous source of light is Vilnius’ Christmas tree. For many years now, the Christmas tree of the Lithuanian capital has been recognized as one of the most beautiful in the world. It even dictates fashion trends globally.
Donned with 700 birthday candles the Christmas tree invited everyone to make a wish and reminded of the upcoming VIlnius anniversary.
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