Kaziukas Fair
Experience the vibrant heart of Lithuania at the oldest and largest fair, a celebration of crafts, food, and traditions.
Kaziukas Fair by Monika KrilavičienėVilnius, Unexpectedly Amazing
Kaziukas: Vilnius's Spring Awakening
It’s not with the first flowers, the returning of birds, or the warm temperatures that the spring starts in Vilnius. Instead, it commences with the Kaziukas fair on the first weekend of March.
Filled with songs, craftsmanship, and scrumptious food the oldest and largest fair is an experience to remember. It's not just a fair. It's a beloved tradition that brings the entire city to life.
Kaziukas Fair by Saulius ZiuraVilnius, Unexpectedly Amazing
History has it that the first Kaziukas fair took place in 1604 in the name of the canonized St. Casimir, son of King of Poland and Grand Duke of Lithuania Casimir IV.
Famous for his piousness and generosity towards the sick and poor to this day the beloved St. Casimir (lovingly called Kaziukas) is a patron saint of Lithuania and Lithuanian youth.
Kaziukas Fair by Saulius ZiuraVilnius, Unexpectedly Amazing
A Tradition Endures
The fair has evolved to include a wide range of secular activities, including crafts, food, and entertainment.
Throughout the years the fair expanded, especially since 1827, when the city's merchants were privileged to hold a three-day market in Cathedral Square.
Kaziukas Fair by Saulius ZiuraVilnius, Unexpectedly Amazing
Being the oldest event in Lithuania and counting 419 years doesn’t mean the event is boring or dated. Just like Vilnius, Kaziukas fair is young at heart, always looking for ways to be the hottest fair of the year.
Young talents and contemporary Lithuanian designers don’t feel out of place next to the traditional basket weavers and gingerbread stalls.
Just as hundreds of years ago, today craftsmen from all over Lithuania come to Vilnius, carrying traditional baskets, tying colorful flower arrangements, and loading wooden carvings or wicker baskets onto stalls.
Kaziukas Fair by Monika KrilavičienėVilnius, Unexpectedly Amazing
However, new traditions and emerging creators also find their place, bringing fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to the forefront.
A Shopper's Paradise
Buying at least a small souvenir is a must even though it’s easy to get dizzy with choices. Jewelry from amber, linen dresses, hand-painted scarfs, one of a kind art pieces and trinkets are waiting to be uncovered.
Kaziukas Fair by Monika KrilavičienėVilnius, Unexpectedly Amazing
Don’t leave Kaziukas fair without purchasing a traditional dried flower arrangement called verba. On Palm Sunday, local Christians take them to church for consecration and then keep them at home for the whole year for success.
Regardless of your religion, these flower arrangements make for lovely home decor pieces.
Kaziukas Fair by Saulius ZiuraVilnius, Unexpectedly Amazing
A Feast for the Senses
A large part of the fair is about food – the delicious aromas fill the street making everyone hungry. Food market offers traditional dishes like sausages, potato pancakes, sauerkraut, and stews, as well as delicious dishes from all over the world.
Baked goods at Kaziukas Fair by Monika KrilavičienėVilnius, Unexpectedly Amazing
If you’re choosing just one thing, get a traditional ring shaped roll that’s the ancestor of bagels. Since the beginning of the fair in 1604 they’ve always been the coveted fair souvenir.
The most traditional ones are covered in the poppy seeds, but today there’s a large variety to choose from.
Kaziukas Fair by Saulius ZiuraVilnius, Unexpectedly Amazing
Unforgettable Fair Finds
It’s impossible to miss the main landmark – a supersized green chair, a symbol of Kaziukas fair, but there are more extraordinary ideas to look out for. A plate of cepelinai (traditional potato dumplings with meat) riding through the streets.
A full sized ship selling fish, a life-sized puppet of St. Casimir – there are too many out of the box pieces to spot.
Kaziukas Fair by Saulius ZiuraVilnius, Unexpectedly Amazing
Get Competitive!
Kaziukas fair can get very competitive – lotteries and contests are in the DNA of the event. Eating the most potato dumplings, showing off the smithery skills, and winning a bird whistle, add a whole new level to the experience. Bragging rights guaranteed.
Kaziukas Fair by Monika KrilavičienėVilnius, Unexpectedly Amazing
You might get lucky in a lottery, but the weather is also a lottery at Kaziukas fair. Since the event takes place on the first weekend of spring, it might still be snowing! So get ready for anything, but even a couple of hours at Kaziukas fair will be a rewarding experience.
Kaziukas Fair by Saulius ZiuraVilnius, Unexpectedly Amazing
Take Part in a Traditional Procession
The tradition of the Kaziukas Fair procession began in 1604 as a way to greet the consecrated St. Casimir's flag. This event quickly became an annual tradition, attracting large crowds and featuring a procession led by a towering St. Casimir puppet.
Painted porcelain at Kaziukas Fair by Monika KrilavičienėVilnius, Unexpectedly Amazing
Talking about traditions, check out the mindblowing skills of local craftsmen using old methods. See the artwork by smith and potters created right before your eyes. Handmade with love and attention these pieces are a living heritage.
Kaziukas Fair by Saulius ZiuraVilnius, Unexpectedly Amazing
A Taste of Lithuanian Heritage
Another beloved tradition that never fails to captivate the audience is the baking of the traditional Lithuanian pastry šakotis or a tree cake. It’s known for an intricate and decorative appearance.
Spinning on a spit above the fire the cake grows its spikes every time the batter is flung towards the fire. Keep in mind, you might have to wait for up to five hours to get a taste.
You are all set!
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