Colors of Vilnius - traditions, festivals, mentality and lifestyle

Lithuania is not a typical Baltic country but preserved the mentality and traditions peculiar to the Baltic states. Local people can appear very calm and cold-blooded people but in reality, they are as emotional as Italians. The main qualities of Vilnius residents are sociability, love for fun and entertainment, hospitability and love for life. You will not believe, but people of all ages enjoy singing and dancing here, even those who are far beyond sixty. They easily converge with new people, always go to the contact with the guests of the country. Locals are also characterized by thrift and rationality, they are famous as great lovers to argue and prove their opinion. Another bright feature of the local temperament is patriotism, they gladly help tourists learn words from their native language.

Residents of Vilnius are family people, and it's not rare phenomena to meet the corporations or firms lead by the members of the same family. They are very much about what other people think about them, and therefore they always try to demonstrate themselves from the very best side. All the Lithuanians are punctual, always come to meetings on time and do not tolerate delays. Moreover, all the significant dates are celebrated on a grand scale here, with bright celebrations and noisy parties. Every resident of the city does his best to show that old traditions are still alive today. They gladly take part in all kinds of entertainment and necessarily purchase souvenirs, provided by local craftsmen. On the shelves, you can see gingerbread with the biblical text and household utensils made of straw, as well as beautiful jewelry made of amber.

In Lithuania and especially in Vilnius, it is strictly forbidden to cross the private premises, marked by special tablets. Lithuanians, though hospitable, do not like unexpected guests. Note that, because this situation can turn into a conflict situation, which can unpleasantly affect the offender. Lithuanians are incredibly polite, cultured, they always show a high level of tolerance. They do not allow themselves to interrupt interlocutors and expect the same from them. Locals are very calm, they are very respectful of the security of the unique nature of their country. Another national feature is mutual assistance, Lithuanians always come to each other's aid. Tourists can safely calculate for help, locals easily tell the direction or even spend if they have free time. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

A lot of cultural and entertainment events, holidays and festivals take place in Vilnius every year. Some of them carry the roots from the past centuries, while others were introduced to the society not long time ago. Local people like to celebrate on a special scale, and carefully preserve their traditions, passing them from generation to generation for many centuries. The most anticipated events in the winter calendar are Christmas and New Year. The preparation starts in early December, all the streets are lit with lights and garlands, and the main Christmas tree arrays the Cathedral Square. Here you can visit the Christmas markets and fairs, purchase various festive gifts and souvenirs, try delicious snacks and mulled wine. Three King's procession ends the New Year and Christmas holidays on January 6 in Catholic Vilnius. On February 17, locals together with tourists celebrate the famous Pancake Week or Užgavėnės, with traditional pancakes, mummers and burning the stuffed mare.

During the first weekend of March, the residents of the surrounding villages and towns gather in the capital to enjoy Kaziuko Fair. This is the largest event, which attracts artisans and craftsmen from all over Lithuania and neighboring countries. The fair has been held since the 19th century and its popularity is growing annually. Here you will find numerous tents with various goods, attend interesting seminars, masterclasses and lessons, try delicious locals cuisine and have a lot of fun during cheerful entertainment activities. This is, perhaps, the most colorful event in Vilnius, symbolized by the willow. The entrance to the fair is free of charge, but note that here you will have a huge desire to purchase everything, so better take with you some cash. In the middle of the March, the fans of cinema will be able to enjoy three weeks of movies during the Spring Film Festival in Vilnius. Festival offers a huge selection of the best films that have won the international recognition.

Street Music Day takes place every spring and gathers talented professional musicians as well as amateurs in Vilnius. This event can be described as a cocktail of rock, classics, avant-garde, jazz, folklore and street jams. If you are a great fan of wine then you must visit Wine Days, held annually in Vilnius since 2005. The entrance fee is about 15 euros per a person, but after this, you are free to taste Bacchus and other wine bins, get acquainted with the products of Lithuanian winemakers, try snacks for the fault of Lithuanian producers. Very interesting event, the Night of Culture, takes place in late June and represents the night in Vilnius in all the glory. Here you will dance under the stars, watch the movies on the green grass, enjoy glowing installations and outdoor performances - all means are good for awakening from cultural sleep. Museums also do not lag behind and open their doors for tourists and residents of the city. On September 18, a mystery of fire and music takes place on the Neris River embankment at the bridge of King Mindaugas.