Holiday in Lithuania July 6th. Lithuanian national holidays. Towards the Sun: Lithuanian Summer Holidays

Great way to feel the spirit of Lithuania, this beautiful Baltic country - to get acquainted with its cultural and national traditions, becoming a witness and a direct participant in the colorful and spectacular Lithuanian holidays.

You can plan your visit to Lithuania at any time of the year, because the locals love and know how to celebrate holidays, and in every season of the year, a bright celebration of significant events is held in the country.

How to meet spring in Lithuania: spring holidays

The arrival of spring is celebrated in Lithuania with a beautiful and bright holiday - the Kaziukas Fair. The event, which has historical roots in the beginning of the 17th century, is dedicated to the patron saint of Lithuania and Slavic artisans – Saint Casimir. His day is celebrated March 4.

On the first weekend in March, a festive procession of folk craftsmen takes place along the streets of Vilnius, and then the fair fills the main streets of the Old Town. Bidding is collected from over a thousand craftsmen from all over the country.

Their skill to numerous guests of the fair demonstrate:

• potters;
• jewelers;
• blacksmiths;
• tanners;
• weavers;
• wood carvers and other artisans.

The most in demand are:

• amber jewelry;
• ceramics;
• wood and leather products;
• as well as woven straw household utensils.

On every corner you can buy “casimirki” – original willow twigs and gingerbread with biblical texts. At the fair you can try national Lithuanian dishes and drinks, enjoy the talent of local musicians.

Folk festivals and performances of national groups create a real spring mood.

Location: main streets and squares of the Old Town in Vilnius.

Towards the Sun: Lithuanian Summer Holidays

Summer in Lithuania is filled with bright, warm, sunny events that are celebrated by the whole country. And it's great if your vacation in this country falls on summer period, because you can become a participant in amazing and spectacular events!

June 23: Jonines

The traditions of the most beloved and widely celebrated holiday of Jonines go back to in the pre-Christian era of Lithuania, times of pagan worship of the forces of nature.

Initially, the day of the summer solstice was called the Rasos holiday, sometimes it was called Kupolines, since on the night of June 23-24, local healers collected medicinal herbs that had special power, called kupala.

After the introduction of Christianity, this day became identified with Saint Jonas.

Today Jonines is wide celebrated from 21 to 24 June in all corners of Lithuania, but on a special scale it is celebrated in the ancient capital of Lithuania - Kernavė (the national reserve is located 35 km from Vilnius).

During the whole day honor Jonasov and Yanin, numerous exhibitions and vernissages, performances folk groups, trade fairs.

The shortest night of the year, which, according to legend, you can not sleep, literally imbued with mysticism and magic. You can:

• admire national costumes;
• get acquainted with ancient customs;
• participate in seeing off the Sun, love divination;
• enjoy spectacular fire rituals;
• weave wreaths and lower them into the water.

Feel your unity with nature and feel the spirit of the Lithuanian people on Jonines.

Location: all settlements Lithuania, Kernavsky National Park.

In Vilnius– the zone between the White (Baltasis) and Green (Zaliasis) bridges over the Neris River.

July 6: Statehood Day

On the day of the Coronation of Prince Mindovg, a holy mass is served in the main cathedral of the country, and state celebrations are held. In Vilnius are arranged:

• jousting tournaments;
• craft fairs;
• numerous master classes introducing the secrets of ancient Lithuanian crafts.

In the Kernavsky Reserve there is a very interesting archaeological event Days of living archeology. In the evening, you can witness the collective performance of the anthem - in different places of the capital, Lithuanians gather to sing the main song of the country together.

Location: streets of the Old Town in Vilnius, Kernavsky National Reserve.

Autumn national holidays in Lithuania

Autumn in Lithuania is no less interesting. Fascinating and eventful Days of the Capital are waiting for you, as well as enchanting and unforgettable days autumn equinox.

First weekend of September: Days of the Capital

succession autumn holidays open the Days of the Capital, the most diverse holiday in Lithuania. These days Vibrant life in Vilnius. Replace each other:

• numerous theatrical performances;
• sports events;
• international exhibitions;
• charity events;
• beer feast.

You should definitely visit the Town Hall Square - it is here that you can turn back the clock and plunge into amazing atmosphere of the Middle Ages: At the Pranciskus Fair, you can spend hours admiring the various goods of local craftsmen, enjoy the concerts of folk dance ensembles and song groups that take place right there on the square.

And in the evening it is worth seeing the stunningly beautiful fireworks crowning the holiday.

Location: streets and squares of the Old Town in Vilnius.

September 21-22: Autumn Equinox (Rudens lygiadienis)

Festive events are dedicated to the memory of the founder of Vilnius, Prince Gediminas. On this day you can:

• join the ranks of a noisy and colorful carnival procession along Gediminas Avenue;
• listen to classical music concerts;
• see theatrical performances at specially organized temporary venues;
• participate in traditional autumn fairs.

In the evening you can witness an enchanting show, a fusion of fire and music - International Festival of Fire Sculptures. Huge sculptures are installed on the banks of the Neris.

Created by professional artists, when ignited, the sculptures come to life, and colorful fireworks burst out of the fire.

Location: streets and squares of Vilnius, the embankment of the river Neris.

Farewell to the old year and new hopes: Lithuanian winter holidays

Winter cannot be boring and dull in the country where Bluecas Day, Three Kings Day and, of course, Shrove Tuesday are celebrated. All Lithuanian cities are being transformed and filled with fun, noisy games and amusements, spectacular performances.

It will help to get from the capital of Russia to the capital of Lithuania. You can find out everything important and useful about it from us.

But the fastest way to find yourself in Vilnius is with the help of the aviation services of the main Lithuanian airport - read the detailed information about this.

In addition, on our website you can find everything about holidays in Lithuania. For example, in the article we will tell you everything about spa treatment in this country.

December 23: Blucas Day

Do you want to start new life, get rid of the load of problems and worries? This is easy to do by taking part in the celebration of the Blues Day - fun party, accompanied by folk festivals, goes back to an old Lithuanian custom.

On this day, after the end of the season of chores, Blucas was dragged through all the yards - an old stump, symbolizing unfinished worries. Stump in the evening burned under jokes.

Thus, the Lithuanians prepared for the New Year and celebrated the arrival of the new time - a gradual increase in daylight hours. Today, a variety of mummers, theater groups and folklore ensembles participate in the holiday.

Becoming a participant in the traditional burning of Blucas, you can leave all your problems in the past and with good mood celebrate Christmas and New Year holidays.

Location:

January 6: Epiphany, or Day of the Three Kings (Trys karaliali)

On the day of the Epiphany of the Lord, a bright theatrical performance takes place in the center of Vilnius: three "kings" - Kasparas, Miarkelis and Baltazaras - solemnly march with shepherds and the archangel from Ostrobrama Gate to Cathedral Square.

There they bring gifts to the manger and wish the city a successful and fruitful year. The culmination of the action is a performance based on the biblical story about the gifts of the Magi to the newborn Tsar.

On this day, Lithuanians attend a solemn mass, consecrating water, incense and chalk there. With chalk, which is kept at home all year round, residents write the initial letters of the names of the Magi on the doors of houses, believing that this will save the house from evil spirits.

Location: center of Vilnius, Cathedral Square.

Seven weeks before Easter: Maslenitsa (Užgavėnės)

On Forgiveness Tuesday, one of the most beloved holidays for children and adults, you can:

• take part in numerous Maslenitsa fun and competitions;
• ride in carts;
• lead round dances;
• laugh at the jokes of the main characters of the holiday, Kanapinis and Lashininis;
• have fun from the heart at the performances of the participants of the traditional goat competition.

Get to know with local folk traditions – have fun and provocatively spend the winter with Lithuanians.

Be sure to visit Zagovene at the handicraft fair:

• treat yourself to delicious pancakes baked according to unique recipes;
• listen to the performances of children's folklore ensembles;
• appreciate the masks of numerous mummers;
• try on one of the masks yourself;
• take part in the main action of the holiday - the burning of the straw effigy of Mora.

Location: Vilnius and other cities of Lithuania.

Popular national holidays having long tradition, allow all guests of the country to get acquainted with the richest local culture, feel its spirit and fall in love with surprisingly hospitable Lithuania.

Today, July 6, the world is celebrating a wonderful holiday - World Kissing Day, also today in many countries of the world, workers in the sea and river fleet celebrate their Day, in Lithuania they celebrate Statehood Day (Lithuania), in Kazakhstan - the Day of the capital of Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan celebrates Day of the medical worker.

world kissing day

World Kiss Day is a celebration of all people on the planet, because we all have ever felt the gentle touch of someone's lips. The very first kiss, of course, was my mother's. On this holiday, everyone who wishes can “exchange their souls” with full rights, because today, July 6, many countries around the world celebrate World Kiss Day, which was approved by the United Nations two decades ago. On this day, various kissing contests are held in many cities of the world, participants in them can win prizes and gifts.
The authorship of the first kiss has not been established today. But, of course, it was not invented and named after the inventor, who left a wet imprint on the cheek of his girlfriend, connecting and immediately parting his lips with a characteristic sound.

Day of Marine and River Fleet Workers

Sea and river transport are one of the key sectors of the economy. Professional holiday - the Day of workers of the sea and river fleet is celebrated in many countries of the world, and primarily in Russia, every year on the first Sunday of July in accordance with the Decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR, approved on October 1, 1980. This year the celebration of the Day fell on July 6th.

Statehood Day

On July 6, Lithuania celebrates a national holiday - Statehood Day, which was timed to coincide with the event of 1252 - the day of the coronation of Prince Mindaugas. According to modern Lithuanian historians, Lithuania starts counting its statehood from this event.
Today, few celebrating Lithuanians remember that when a prince was crowned in the 13th century, a dark period of the Inquisition began in Europe and there was no democracy. Then, in torture dungeons and at the stake, according to historians, from 30 to 300 thousand people were killed.
John Paul II, the head of the Roman Catholic Church, recently publicly repented for the times of religious wars, violence and the fires of the Inquisition.

Day of the capital of Kazakhstan - Astana

On July 6, Kazakhstan celebrates the Day of the Capital - Public Holiday established on June 25, 2008 by the Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan. This holiday for the people of Kazakhstan has an important historical and cultural significance, it is a symbol of the achievements of this Republic. The first name of the capital of Astana in 1830-1961 was Akmolinsk, then in 1961-1992 Tselinograd, in 1992-1998 Akmola, and on May 6, 1998, Nursultan Nazarbayev, the President of Kazakhstan, signed a decree renaming the capital Akmola to Astana. Today, Astana hosts the main events and festivities of the Day of the Capital of Kazakhstan. This day also marks the birthday of the head of state, Nursultan Nazarbayev.

Day of Medical Worker in Kyrgyzstan

Professional holiday The Day of the Medical Worker of Kyrgyzstan is celebrated in Kyrgyzstan annually on the first Sunday of July, this year the holiday fell on July 6th. That Day was established on June 8, 1993 by the Decree of the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic in connection with the adoption of the law of the Republic of Kyrgyzstan in July 1992.
On the eve of this professional holiday, solemn meetings of the medical community of the republic are usually held in the country. They are attended by representatives of the President, the Government different countries, international organizations, veterans of the republican healthcare and medical workers from all over Kyrgyzstan.

Unusual holidays

Today, July 6, you can celebrate an unusually cool holiday called "The Unhappy Holiday"

The holiday that didn't happen

Many different holidays there is in the world, but no one knows what kind of holiday “that didn’t happen”. Probably, this is a holiday about which we still do not know anything, which has not yet happened today. And tomorrow? And tomorrow everything can be, maybe today's holiday will become the most famous tomorrow ...
The holiday that didn't happen
Sacrifice yourself
Like a bright fire
May it burn forever...

Religious holiday

Agrafena Swimsuit

On this day, Orthodox Christians commemorate the holy Roman martyr Agrippina, or in Russian Agrafena, who, in her youth, decided not to marry and devote her whole life to serving God.
She, during the persecution of Christians, had to appear before a pagan court, experience torture and stay in prison, but despite these torments, Agrippina did not renounce her faith.
God, as a reward for her stamina, sent her an angel who freed the girl from her bonds, but she still died from the torture she suffered.
The Christian women Vassa, Pavla and Agathonica took the body of the martyr to Sicily and buried her there. Subsequently, numerous miracles were performed at the tomb of St. Agrippina.
Agrafena was nicknamed the Bather because bathing began on that day in the evening and the famous night on Ivan Kupala came.
Agrafena Kupalnitsa, Ivan Kupala and Peter and Paul in the popular mind merged into one big celebration, which absorbed Christian traditions and was filled with great meaning and pagan beliefs. In ancient times, these holidays necessarily included rituals, omens, divination, and legends.
All the inhabitants of the village on Agrafena bathed in baths, swam in rivers, while using various herbal preparations. They believed that the collected herbs and roots on the night of Ivan Kupala had healing powers. The legend of the fern flower, which only blooms for a few minutes only once a year on this magical night, was passed on by people from mouth to mouth.
During the day on Agrafena, all the girls put on their best outfits and asked their relatives for gifts - various jewelry, ribbons and scarves. And in evening time girls gathered at one of their friends to grind barley in a mortar, so that the next day they could cook porridge from it, which strengthens women's health.
It was customary for peasants to sow turnips on Agrafena. They sowed and said: “Mother turnip, the ugly mother is strong, neither rare nor thick - until Lent.”
Name day July 6 at: Agrippina (Agrafena), Alexander, Alexei, Anton, Artemy, Herman, Joseph, Cornelius, Mitrofan, Peter, Svyatoslav, Fedor

July 6th in history

1945 - The demobilization of military personnel from the ranks of the USSR Armed Forces began after the Second World War.
1961 - A powerful fountain of oil hit at well No. 6 in Zhetybay. From this moment, the year of the discovery of Mangystau oil is considered.
1969 - On the site of the former village of Khatyn (Minsk region of Belarus), a memorial architectural and sculptural complex was opened in memory of the inhabitants of Belarusian villages and villages completely destroyed by the fascist invaders.
1971 - In the United States, voting rights are granted to persons from 18 years old (previously - from 21 years old).
1975 - Alibek Kantemirov (b. 1882), Ossetian equestrian rider, horse trainer, People's Artist of the RSFSR, Honored Art Worker of North Ossetia, died.
1977 - As a result of a military coup, General Zia ul-Haq came to power in Pakistan.
1978 - The KGB of the USSR was withdrawn from subordination to the Council of Ministers of the USSR.
1986 - The first Goodwill Games opened in Moscow.
1994 China banned the use child labor.
1999 - Cuba sues the US for $181 billion for damages caused by a 40-year economic blockade.
2007 - At the IOC session in Guatemala, Sochi was chosen as the venue for the XXII Winter Olympic Games in 2014

Throughout the country, in addition to solemn ceremonies, there are many different cultural and educational events that remind of the origins of the Lithuanian state and its history.

The coronation day of Prince Mindaugas is given special significance as the first self-determination of Lithuania and integration into the Western world. Mindaugas is given an outstanding role in the unification of Lithuania.

The Grand Duke of Lithuania Mindaugas (Mindovg), who ruled from about the end of the 1230s until 1263, united the Lithuanian lands (Aukstaitia, Samogitia and others) under his rule and subjugated the cities of Novogrudok, Slonim, Volkovysk. In 1244 he undertook a campaign against the Livonian Order in the land of the Curonians and Semigallians. The Order teamed up with Lithuanian feudal lords hostile to Mindovg and defeated him.

In 1250, the Grand Duke of Lithuania Mindaugas (Mindovg) agreed to a compromise agreement with the order, in 1251 he converted to Catholicism, and was crowned on behalf of the Pope, however, he was preparing for a new fight with the order. Around 1253, he concluded an agreement with the Galician prince Daniel and married his daughter to his son Shvarn, renewed and strengthened ties with the Vladimir-Suzdal Grand Duke Alexander Nevsky.

The name Mindovg means "thinking a lot". The son of the Lithuanian prince Ringold, a capable commander. Even during his father's lifetime, he participated in important battles, including the Battle of Saule, where the Lithuanians defeated the combined forces of the Order of the Sword-bearers and the Russian Galician-Volyn princes. The ruler of Lithuania since 1238. He killed his relatives who claimed the great reign, united most of the Lithuanian tribes under his rule.

In the destruction of his rivals in the struggle for absolute power, Mindovg relied on allies - the German knights. In 1251 he converted to Christianity, and the pope gladly agreed to give Mindovg the royal title. The coronation took place on July 6, 1253 in Novograd. For assistance in obtaining the royal title, Mindovg signed off to the Livonian Order his part of Samogitia - western Lithuania. Moreover, he bequeathed the entire state to the Order, if after his death there were no heirs (by that time he had at least two sons). Under the rule of Mindovg, one after another, the Western Russian princes passed. The Lithuanian kingdom gradually grew stronger.

In the winter of 1258/1260, the army of the Tatar Baskak Burundai devastated the country. Mindovg led his army into the swamps and evaded the battle. The Tatars, having ruined Lithuania, were unable to impose tribute on it, and the kingdom retained its independence.

The following year, an uprising began in Prussia against the German Order, and Mindovg turned against his former allies. On July 13, 1260, near Lake Durbe, not far from Memel, the Lithuanian army utterly defeated the combined forces of the knights. The master of the Livonian Order, Borchardt von Hornhausen, Marshal von Botal and the Swedish Duke Karl, who brought the Danish-Swedish army to the aid of the Germans, died. Mindovg renounced the crown and Christianity2. 8 captured knights were burned alive to make an atoning sacrifice to the old Lithuanian gods.

After the Battle of Durba, Mindovg offered an alliance against the Germans to the Russian Grand Duke Alexander Nevsky. A peace treaty was concluded between Lithuania and the Vladimir-Suzdal principality in February or March 1262. Conditions: non-aggression, alliance against the Teutonic Order. In the summer of the same year, Mindovg set out on a campaign, but the Russian army arrived a month late, when the Lithuanians, having devastated the order's lands, returned home.

Further joint actions did not work out due to the departure of Prince Alexander to the Horde and the death of Mindovg. He was killed as a result of a conspiracy of the feudal nobility.