Events in Lithuania 2012

Christmas Crib and Celebrations of Its Concecration from 2011-12-24 to 2012-01-06 The crib regards as the symbol of Christmas. It reminds us the values, celebrated by this holiday - the family, the love to your neighbor, compassion, unity, hope, and the gift of the new beginning. We invite you to celebrate these values together, attending the ceremony of consecration of the Crib at the Vilnius' Cathedral Square. Ticket prices: Free admission Venue: Cathedral Square

The Day of the Flag of Lithuania 2012-01-01 To commemorate the event of 1 January 1919 when a group of 10 volunteers performed an act full of a symbolic meaning for the first time - raised the free-color flag of Lithuania on Gediminas Hill. A huge emotional effect on the residents of Lithuania recalling 7 October 1988 when Lithuanian tree-color flag was returned to the place it belonged to, when in 2004 the Lithuanian three-color flag waved alongside 25 flags of NATO and when our flag was hoisted together with other flags of the European Union on 1 May. Ticket prices:  Free admission Venue: Cathedral Square

Three Kings Procession 2012-01-06 | Event starts: 16:00 Festive Christmas' events in Vilnius traditionally are finished with the traditional parade from The Gates of Dawn through Vilnius old town. The figures of the Three Kings, following the Star, become the centre of the parade, which culminates at the Cathedral Square with the traditional performance, depicting the visit the Three Kings paid to the Jesus Child. The parade and performance are especially loved by the youngest citizens of Vilnius. Three Kings Procession starts from the Gates of Dawn and ends at the Cathedral Square. Ticket prices: Free admission Venue: Various places

Ecrans d'hiver from 2012-01-20 to 2012-01-29 Ecrans d'hiver" - French film festival, organised by French Institute in Lithuania. For the seventh time this year, the festival will entertain Lithuanian audience with exceptional French cinema. "Ecrans d'hiver" will screen the newest French movies - referenced by critics as the most interesting, unordinary, author's cinema, films by modern French film directors. Traditionally, classic French cinema will be present on Lithuanian screens as well. The seventh French film festival will introduce two retrospectives to Lithuanian audience. Spectators will be able to discover yet little known in Lithuania, but remarkable French directors - clown, affichiste, a man-orchestra Pierre Etaix, and adorable French film director and actor, well known for his unusual style - Jacques Tati. Ticket prices:  from 3 Eur (for adults) Venue: "Skalvija" Cinema Center, Cinema Theatre "Pasaka"

Lithuanian Independence Day 2012-02-16 On 16 February 1918, the Council of Lithuania signed the Act of Independence of Lithuania, which proclaimed the termination of all state ties and declared Lithuania an independent state. Solemn commemorations, concerts, orchestra parades and other events take place in the capital and all over the country. Ticket prices: Free admission Venue: Various places

Užgavėnės (Shrovetide) 2012-02-18 Shrovetide carnival is a traditional holiday, one of the merriest events in Lithuania. Shrovetide was first organized in Vilnius in 1995. Užgavėnės - is a carnival, which escorts winter. This holiday is not associated with any church rituals. Its traditions clearly unify elements of culture before Christianity and during Christianity. Fortune-telling occurs during this evening. For example, it is believed that all the witches can be seen if during Užgavėnės you scrape out all the leftovers from your teeth and tie them up in a handkerchief and wear it under your bosom until Easter. From early morning, on the second day of Užgavėnės people in costumes begin roaming - devils, witches, reapers, goats, Gypsies, beggars and others. They usually visit homes, sometimes businesses as well, play pranks, act, sing, try to snatch something and then demand payment, throw water or if they catch someone, they bathe them in snow. After the pranks, the ones in costume ask for pancakes or money.  It is believed that on this day you have to eat a lot (not less than 12 times), because it is the last day before the fast of Lent. The traditional food of the holiday - pancakes. Other special dishes are fat pork, "šiupinys" (a boiled cereal with meat, barley or peas, seasoned and somewhat decorated with a pig's ear or snout in the bowl), stewed cabbage, pancakes, doughnuts. In the evening people yell "winter, winter get out of my yard", the "Morė" (a creature made of straw) is burned - the symbol of winter. Then two men get changed, one - fat - Lašininis, the other - thin - Kanapinis and they fight. Usually the thin one wins, while the fat one is chased away until Easter. Ticket prices: Free admission Venue: Town Hall Square

Kaziukas Fair from 2012-03-02 to 2012-03-04 Each year on the first days of March, Vilnius Old Town streets are flooded with the uproar of weekend of "Kaziukas". It is abound with the attendance of folk artisans and craftsmen. The "Kaziukas Fair" attracts artists not only from the most remote Lithuanian places but also from neighboring countries. In addition to the traditional accents of the fair, the "Kaziukas Fair" offers the works of socially vulnerable persons, foster home beneficiaries. The fair not only boasts with items for sale, but also with events.  The festival of St. Casimir the patron saint of Lithuanian was born in the 17th century to whom this fair was dedicated to in the 19th century. It is one other most remarkable calendar festivals with deep traditions, each time presenting ingenious handworks, and having no rivals in the surrounding areas. The fair attracts several hundred thousands of visitors. The second day of the fair will feature a festive theatrical procession with participation, as in old times, of the most famous artisans and promoters of folk art and ancient crafts. The procession of artisans and craftsmen along the Vilnius streets will be special because it manifests the unity of artists, and their determination to strive for common goals under the same flag. Ticket prices: Free admission Venue: Various places

Tourism, Sport and Leisure Trade Fair "Vivattur" from 2012-03-02 to 2012-03-04 As a reflection of Lithuanian travel business and tourism opportunities, for more than decade, the VIVATTUR has been the best point for businesspeople and travel lovers to meet each other, establish beneficial contacts, showcase season products and services, and undoubtedly learn about new destinations or traveling possibilities. Moreover, we are happy with the visitor's attendance on Exhibition. There is nothing more exciting than to meet all of you, always having new ideas to present, at the VIVATTUR. In response to your activity we will endeavor to create perfect working conditions at the exhibition and to enable you to arrange your conferences and workshops in order to make your participation fruitful. You are kindly invited to join us and become a part of the most remarkable tourism event not only in Lithuania but also in the Baltic States. Purchase ticket at: At the exhibition box-office Venue: The Lithuanian Exhibition and Convention Centre "Litexpo"

Day of Restoration of Lithuanian Independence 2012-03-11 The Act of Re-establishment of the State of Lithuania was signed on 11 March 1990. On this day, the victims of fights for Lithuanian independence are honored, the ceremony of hoisting the state flag takes place in the Nepriklausomybės Sq., and brass band parades, performances by various groups, and concerts are organized. Ticket prices: Free admission Venue: Various places

International Baltic Jewelry Exhibition "Amber Trip" from 2012-03-14 to 2012-03-17 Amber Trip is the largest specialized exhibition of jewellery in the Baltic States. It is a significant annual event for the entire community of jewellers: professionals and designers, organizers of production and practitioners, companies of jewellery industry, manufacturers of technological machinery, devices and equipment. Same as every year, new industrial technology and modern equipment will be presented in the exhibition as well. More information: www.ambertrip.com Venue: Radisson Blu Hotel Lietuva

International Film Festival "Kino Pavasaris" (Spring of Cinema) from 2012-03-15 to 2012-03-29 Vilnius International Film Festival "Kino pavasaris" is the biggest and most important cinema event in Lithuania. Festival was established in 1995 and now that seventeen years have passed it earned its reputation because it is showing high quality newest films that are carefully picked out of highly rated festivals and has been awarded the prizes by both the audience and film critics. Serious discussions, widely respected Lithuanian and international filmmakers, events for industry guests, social and educational projects is essential part of the festival, as well as cheerful parties. In 2009 VIFF for the first time presented the competition programmer "New Europe - New Names" with a solid International Jury. Only the best debut films from East and Central Europe were presented for "The Best film" award. It became an annual competition since it has been received like a small diamond by audience and mass media. In 2011 already second annual International Film Festivals Forum "Eastern-Central Drift" was held. The main aim of this event is to establish and maintain a close partnership with main Central and Eastern European international film festivals. Every year VIFF presents more than 100 films which are divided into a number of programs. In 2005 VIFF has been visited by a breaking number of viewers which reached a 40 per cent increase since 2004 (in 2004 over 28,000 viewers and in 2005 over 41,000). Since then the festival is witnessing an increase in attendance, which was over 64,000 in 2011. VIFF is a perfect opportunity not only to see great films but also to meet in person with cinema masters and actors. The festival is proud to have received guests such as Emir Kusturica, Mike Leigh, Leos Carax, Javor Gardev, Attila Galambos and actors like Hana Schygulla, Ian Somerhalder, Dexter Fletcher, Ion Sapdaru, Teador Corban, Mircea Andreescu and others. More information: www.kinopavasaris.lt Ticket prices: from 3 Eur (for adults) Venue: Forum Cinemas Vingis, cinema theatre "Pasaka", cinema centre "Skalvija" and Forum Cinemas Akropolis

Festival "Sugrįžimai" (Coming Back) from 2012-04-02 to 2012-05-31 Every spring (since 1999) in April - May the international music festival "Sugrįžimai" has been held. Participating in the festival are compatriots who study or live abroad, their foreign colleagues. Musicians residing in Lithuania also perform in some concerts. More information: www.lmrf.lt Venue: Various places

International Contemporary Dance Festival "New Baltic Dance" from 2012-05-01 to 2012-05-10 International Contemporary Dance Festival "New Baltic Dance" during 14 years of its existence has grown up into one of the main and most prestigious dance festivals in the Baltic Sea area. The first event in 1997 gathered participants mostly from the post-Soviet countries where contemporary dance had been only starting. Since then the number of guest countries increased - festival has presented companies from all Nordic and Baltic countries, UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Belgium, Israel, Canada, Slovenia, Serbia, Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Poland, Switzerland, Senegal. During 14 years of its existence New Baltic  Dance has brought around 200 dance companies and independent choreographers. Programme of the festival organized by Lithuanian Dance Information Centre and "Vilnius Festivals" consists both of well established companies with famous productions and new young companies/choreographers with experimental works. One of principles of the festival is to present the newest productions, thus the event is open for premieres, post-premieres and pre-premieres. The festival also provides the possibility for Lithuanian choreographers to show their newest creations. Ticket prices: from 6 Eur, for schoolchildren, students, seniors: 50% discount Venue: Lithuanian National Drama Theatre, Arts Printing House

Vilnius Festival 2012 from 2012-05-22 to 2012-06-10 Founded in 1997, the annual Vilnius Festival is one of the most prestigious, solid and versatile musical events in Lithuania. With primary interest in presenting classical music, performed by the established soloists, ensembles and symphony orchestras from all over the world, it also promotes contemporary Lithuanian music by commissioning new large-scale works, and offers a platform for jazz and musical theatre. The collaboration of its organisers and performers with world-renowned musicians has accelerated the acceptance of not only Lithuania's musical culture but also its political activities in the international realm. The illustrious roster of the celebrated performers, who have been among the favourites of the Vilnius Festival, includes Mstislav Rostropovich, Riccardo Muti, Krzysztof Penderecki, Yuri Bashmet, Gidon Kremer and Vadim Repin; jazz legends Dave Brubeck, McCoy Tyner, Al Jarreau, Herbie Hancock, Al di Meola, Chick Corea, Paco de Lucia, Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra. The active participation of the Vilnius Festival in the programs of Lithuanian cultural tourism and its close cooperation with diplomatic missions of foreign countries has generated high interest among foreign guests and tourists in both this event and Lithuanian cultural happenings in general. Ticket prices: Tickets are available at Lithuanian National Philharmonic Venue: Various places

International Folklore Festival "Skamba Skamba Kankliai" from 2012-05-24 to 2012-05-27 Since 1973 every year on the last week of May in Vilnius - International folklore festival „Skamba skamba kankliai". In 2012 this festival will be organized the 40th time. More information: www.etno.lt Ticket prices: Free admission Venue: The Old Town

Trakai Medieval Festival from 2012-06-16 to 2012-06-17 Since 1999 every June the Trakai Peninsula Castle restores the spirit of medieval city for a couple of days with a bustle of market, impressive workshops of craftsmen, nobles and commoners, the clatter of happy children, music, theatre and knights' combats. Everybody is welcome to take part in all this. The event traditionally starts with a colourful procession of Festival participants dressed in medieval costumes through the main street of Trakai. It takes off from the tourist observation ground opposite to the Island Castle and moves to the Peninsula Castle, where the Duke meets it with welcoming ceremony and grants his privilege. Festival participants include history enthusiasts who cherish ancient crafts - potters, smiths and goldsmiths, bookbinders, woodcarvers, glassmakers, shoemakers, tailors, spinners, and other artisans. They demonstrate the ancient technologies and tell the history of their crafts to festival guests. Everyone wishing to try is welcome to do it as well and buy the article he or she likes. Guests of the festival enjoy knights' combats and scenes of medieval life very much. Knights from Poland and Belarus are regular participants of the festival alongside Lithuanian knights' clubs. There had been knights from the United Kingdom, Italy and Russia participating in the festival several times. There are concerts of medieval music and dance, folk rock, theatre performances as well as medieval games and education lessons for children taking place during the festival. Guests can take lessons from artisans, get acquainted with medieval weaponry and try shooting a bow or a crossbow, ride a horse or write down a recipe of a delicious medieval dish cooked on a fire in the courtyard of the castle. There is a tireless joker, witches, pushy beggars, pious monks, an executioner with his assistant and other medieval characters dressed in their historical outfits creating the authentic atmosphere of medieval life. Ticket prices: for adults: from 3 Eur, for schoolchildren, students, seniors: from 2 Eur Purchase ticket at: At the venue Venue: Trakai Peninsula Castle

"Rasos" (Joninės) Festival in Verkiai Regional Park 2012-06-23 | Event starts: 00:00 "Joninės" Festival is held in Verkių Park according to the ancient Lithuanian customs that have been preserved by the old people of Lithuania. At the festival of thriving nature wreaths will be twined, fortunes will be told from grasses, Midsummer Day rounds will be danced, old rituals will be performed, wreaths will be floated down the Neris River, people will look for a magic fern blossom, wash with dew, will greet the rising sun with songs. Well-known folklore ensembles will present their programmes. Most of the participants in the festival usually arrive dressed in national costumes and wearing grass wreaths. Ticket prices: Free admission Venue: Verkiai Regional Park

International Art Fair "ARTVILNIUS'12" from 2012-06-27 to 2012-07-01 Almost 8,000 sq. m area of the Lithuanian Exhibition and Convension Centre LITEXPO will be occupied by galleries from Lithuania, neighbouring countries and other countries of the world. The main objective of ARTVILNIUS'12 is to present a broad and representative panorama of contemporary art galleries, introduce the best artists and their works while maintaining a high quality of art. More information: www.artvilnius.com Venue: The Lithuanian Exhibition and Convention Centre "Litexpo", Laisvės Ave. 5, Vilnius

Christopher Summer Festival 2012 from 2012-07-01 to 2012-08-28 As has come to be expected, the Christopher Summer Festival always seeks out new musical experiences, tries on new forms of expression, transforms, experiments and changes. From an event that once almost exclusively concentrated on academic music, nowadays one can hear a lot of jazz, folk, sung poetry and even pop music. So is the festival changing? Externally - yes, but on a conceptual level the Christopher Summer Festival strictly adheres to its founding principles. This is a music festival that was never aimed at professors: in summer professors leave to listen to music elsewhere, or simply take the chance to rest. Every year our huge musical string of pearls is put together so as to include the most appealing pearls, or the type of people who simply love music and do not classify it as being high or low brow, elitist or entertaining. A limitless, happy, eclectic marathon of fun "holiday" concerts is about to begin! Join us!  Venue: Various places

Crowning of King Mindaugas - Day of Statehood 2012-07-06 On the Day of Statehood, Lithuania celebrates the day of the crowning of Duke Mindaugas, the founder of the State of Lithuania. Days of Live Archaeology are organized at the foot of Gediminas Hill and in the Old Town where craftsmen demonstrate old crafts, knights can be seen standing in groups, participants listen to old music and are welcomed to the fairs, and concerts of ethnographical bands or other festivities are organized around the city. Ticket prices: Free admission Venue: Various places

International St. Jokubas Sacred Music Festival from 2012-08-26 to 2012-10-07 "International St. Jokubas sacred music festival" is very important event in the country's cultural life, because the context of the Lithuanian choral singing traditions will be disseminated internationally. The festival will present the Lithuanian and other secular choral sacred music that will convey the creative world of musical culture. Organizers of the festival seeks to contribute to initiative of the Dominicans - to install St. Jokubas carillon in the St. Apostles Pilypas and Jokubas Church tower, and to develop the concept of Lukiskes Square as the capital's cultural and spiritual center of gravity - representing the city of Vilnius and it's cultural facility. More information: www.chorasvilnius.lt

Capital Days 2012 from 2012-08-31 to 2012-09-02 International city festival "Capital days" is one of the most important and most spectacular celebrations of the city, dedicated to all citizens and city guests. Festival offers a wide range of high-level entertainments from classical music and opera, to jazz, folk, pop, rock and world music, and also film programme, street theatre, fashion shows, carnivals, fairs, fireworks. Ticket prices: Free admission Venue: Various places

International Festival of Instrumental Folk Music "Griežynė" from 2012-09-05 to 2012-09-08 Unique in terms of genre in Lithuania and the most enduring in the eastern Baltics, GRIEŽYNĖ International Festival of Instrumental Folk Music is a special event held every second year in Vilnius. It emerged in 1992 as a bodily form of an idea suggested by two enthusiasts of instrumental folk music - composer Algirdas Klova and Arūnas Lunys. The name of the festival - GRIEŽYNĖ - was chosen purposefully. GRIEŽYNĖ is a dialect word for fiddle, one of the chief folk instruments in Lithuania and in other countries. More information: www.llkc.lt Ticket prices: Free admission Venue: Various places

International Street Theatres Festival Mosaic from 2012-09-21 to 2012-09-23 The street theater - is a tool that can reach any audience, at any place, language is not the main expression, the festival has many thousands of others expression ways. Vary as a mosaic, which is enough to tilt slightly, and it already shows a different picture. But most importantly, that the goal is the same - to spread beauty, gladden the eye. Mobile, no large conditions demands for shows, uniting various genres. An International Street Theatre festival is organized in Vilnius since 2004. In 2011, this festival took place already the seventh time, took part street theater of Ukraine, Belarus, Russia, Lithuania, performances attracted high viewers interest. This proves that the need of street events in capital is high and expected. More information: www.senamiescioteatras.lt Ticket prices: Free admission Venue: Gediminas Avenue

Vilnius Documentary Films Festival from 2012-09-20 to 2012-09-30 Vilnius Documentary Film Festival in 2011 was organized for the 8th time. The festival is proud to have a loyal and intellectual audience. VDFF is appreciated by the documentary filmmakers from the Baltic States, who annually grant the festival their presence. The organizers have always been searching for a dialogue with its audience; therefore various discussions are organized to bring the spectators together with the filmmakers. Many renowned documentary gurus had participated in these meetings; Nicolas Philibert, Pawel Lozinski are among those to mention. These film professionals are also leading master classes that take place during the festival, designated for young documentary filmmakers. The master classes are meant to strengthen international networking within documentary field and create space to produce new ideas, cooperation opportunities and to enrich the knowledge of the new generation of documentary filmmakers. More information: www.vdff.lt Ticket prices: for adults from 3.50 euro Venue: "Skalvija" Cinema Center, Cinema Theatre "Pasaka"

International Folklore Festival "Pokrovskije Kolokola" (Chiming Bells) from 2012-09-27 to 2012-09-30 On 27-30th September, Vilnius will host seventh International Folklore Festival "Pokrovskije kolokola". Event, in which along with ensembles of various foreign countries, Lithuanian folk groups of ethnic communities are participating, has received recognition from a wide range of Lithuanian society and foreign specialists. The festival organizers' aim - to raise level of different national folk music ensembles, state the country of Lithuania and its capital as an example with a population of more than one ethnic minority cherishing and protecting their life traditions. Ticket prices: Free admission Venue: Various places

International Early Music Festival "Banchetto Musicale" from 2012-09-16 to 2012-10-03 The festival that has been traditionally held since 1989 will present music of Europe of the middle Ages, Renaissance and Baroque epochs to the public and guests of the capital. The original newly prepared programme that is devoted to the musical heritage of Lithuania performed by the most outstanding Lithuanian and foreign interpreters of old music will be presented during the Festival. More information: www.bmfestival.lt Venue: Various places

International Theatre Festival "Sirenos" (Sirens) from 2012-09-27 to 2012-10-07 It is the largest international theatre festival in Lithuania, presenting contemporary European and world theatre novelties, the most interesting Lithuanian theatre phenomena, and offering versatile educative programme. The festival represents a contemporary theatre challenging and accepting challenges, promoting the partnership between different cultural institutions, culture and business as avalue. Organisers of "Sirenos" add here to their motto: The new reality - the new theatre - for what audience? The festival attracts not only just one generation of creators, to a certain aesthetics or genre boundaries. Transcending boundaries, new experimental strategies, cultural interactions, impulses and sensitivity to changes are the landmarks of the festival activity scope. More information: www.okt.lt Venue: Vilnius theatres

Vilnius Jazz 2012 from 2012-10-11 to 2012-10-14 Founded in 1987, Vilnius Jazz is the oldest annual Jazz festival held in Vilnius. It is an exceptional event in Lithuania, providing a broad perspective on contemporary trends in jazz from all over the world. Over the years Vilnius Jazz has earned a reputation of a radical avant-garde festival oriented towards novelty and limit-stretching creativity. The stylistic boundaries of jazz and free improvised music are often crossed and expanded here by offering joint projects with musicians from the academic, ethnic, rock and industrial music backgrounds. The International Vilnius Jazz Festival is renowned for its creative and ambitious programmes featuring some of the biggest names on the international jazz scene alongside the best of Lithuanian talent. The festival's hall of fame includes such world-class names as The Zawinul Syndicate (USA), Sonny Simmons-Oliver Lake Quartet (USA), Courtney Pine Group (UK), Billy Cobham Band (USA), Arthur Blythe Quartet (USA), Steve Lacy (USA), Leroy Jenkins (USA), Viacheslav Ganelin (Israel), Otomo Yoshihide (Japan), Fred Frith (UK), Carlos Ward Quartet (USA), Defunkt (USA), Django Bates (UK), Cinematic Orchestra (UK), Iva Bittova (Czech Republic), Myra Melford Quartet (USA), Cuong Vu Trio (USA), Willem Breuker Kollektief (NL), Kazutoki Umezu (Japan), Marc Ducret Trio (FR) and many others. Many international projects have been organised through close collaboration with international cultural institutions and foundations, such as Goethe Institut, British Council, Swedish Institute, Pro Helvetia, US Arts International and Japan Foundation. Attracting an audience of around 5000 each year, Vilnius Jazz has played a formative role for several generations of jazz fans. It has also to its credit helped develop local players who have then moved onto performing in other European venues and international jazz groups. Vilnius Jazz is also inextricably linked with the development of a distinctive Vilnius jazz school. Recognised as one of the most important signposts in Eastern Europe, Vilnius Jazz remains devoted to nurturing and promoting the living tradition of improvised music in Lithuania. In 2005, it joined the membership of the Europe Jazz Network.  More information: www.vilniusjazz.lt Venue: Lithuanian Russian Drama Theatre

Vilnius Film Shorts from 2012-10-11 to 2012-10-14 VILNIUS FILM SHORTS - the only international and professional short film festival in Lithuania, presenting the newest short films from all over the world. During the seven years International Short Film Festival "Vilnius Film Shorts" has become a platform that represents not only European but also the worldwide short films, brought by the new generation of the cinematographers. Every year "Vilnius Films Shorts" try to keep the high level of the artistic value of the short films screened during the festival, so only 10% out of all 600 applicants are approved for the competition program. The best 60 short films are presented in ten parts of the competition program and they are evaluated and awarded by the international jury. Also, a big attention is paid to Lithuanian cinematographers - each year there is a special program of newest Lithuanian films presented to the audience. During the festival, the "Vilnius Film Shorts" team invite the film professionals to the educational seminar which is based on a relevant subject regarding the short film development, production or distribution. More information: www.filmshorts.lt Ticket prices: for adults 3.50 euro Venue: "Skalvija" Cinema Center, Cinema Theatre "Pasaka"

International Bards' Music Festival "Tai - aš" (This is me) from 2012-10-15 to 2012-10-21 International singer-songwriters' festival "This is Me" is held annually on the 3rd week of October. It's a unique event of this kind which takes part not only in Vilnius, but also in other smaller or bigger Lithuanian cities and even in Latvia and Poland. Full concert halls and appreciation of audience are obvious evidence that this festival is very important and necessary. Thanks to the festival, singing poetry, a mixed genre of music and poetry, stands equally to other genres. The festival also gives better opportunities to present all similarities and differences of singing poetry, chançons, avtorskaya pesnya and bards songs to the audience. The festival "This is Me" becomes an important part of Lithuanian cultural life and gets all Lithuanian and foreign performers and their admirers together. The most famous Lithuanian bards such as Kostas Smoriginas, Olegas Ditkovskis, Saulius Bareikis, Aidas Giniotis, Andrius Kulikauskas and the Artistic director of the festival Gediminas Storpirštis will take part in all major concerts. Foreign guests of the festival are popular in their own countries and regions. They are experienced and also have released few albums each in well-known world record studios. They often take part in the similar festivals in their countries and abroad. The organizers and all participants of the festival has one more chance to check themselves, to meet new people and to get new experiences. Young and less-known performers will have an open mic in two "Staying Till Dawn" concerts to perform together with well-known bards. This is a good way to expand not only the circle of performers but the singing poetry itself with the professional poetry too. The traditional workshop of creative mastership is an important part of "This is Me" festival. The workshop is lead by famous Lithuanian and foreign bards and is intended for young performers that want to deepen their knowledge in singing poetry and scenic culture, to get more experience. What young performers do learn at the workshop with their leader they sing in the final concert at St. Catherin's church. More information: www.kultura.lt, www.bardai.lt Venue: Various places

Festival "Gaida" 2012 from 2012-10-18 to 2012-10-26 The GAIDA Festival that takes place in Vilnius since 1991 is the main and the most prominent festival of contemporary music in Lithuania. This is one of the most important new music forums in Central and Eastern Europe. During the last 10 years the festival has become the prestigious event not only for Lithuanian music lovers, but also for international audiences that numerously attend concerts of the festival. The festival's aim is to present the most interesting Lithuanian and world music oeuvre, to initiate new projects including top international musicians and to keep the highest quality criteria as the priority. For high achievements in the international contemporary music scene GAIDA Festival in 2005 was invited to prestigious association of most important European festivals of contemporary music "Reseau Varese". In 2008 the festival was awarded the title of ISCM World Music Days, meaning an especial appreciation of the international music community all over the world and providing the right to organize a festival on exceptional scale. The most important features of the festival: GAIDA Festival is open to new music of different traditions and all geographical sources. The festival covers and presents a broad sweep of the latest musical tendencies, fashions and creative processes in Lithuania, Europe and the world. GAIDA introduces Vilnius audiences to the finest achievements of world contemporary music. The most famous musicians are invited to the festival and the most successful pieces of music are performed.  GAIDA presents works from many different genres, from chamber music and symphonic concerts to electronic music, multimedia projects, music theatre, sound installations and club events. The events of GAIDA Festival take place in the main concert halls of Vilnius: the National Philharmonic, National Opera and Ballet Theatre, National Drama Theatre, Congress Palace, Contemporary Art Centre, Arts Printing House a. o. More information: www.vilniusfestivals.lt Venue: Various places

Latin American Culture Days from 2012-10-19 to 2012-10-26 The aim of Culture Days of Latin American Countries is to introduce Latin America through various cultural events (film screenings, concerts, exhibitions, food and beverages degustation, presentation of literature, lectures, etc.). Latin America is full of undiscovered cultural peculiarities and by getting to know this culture it is possible to enrich knowledge and to initiate intercultural dialogue. Since 2006 this event has been growing and its necessity is shown by interest and appreciation of attendees. In the last year Culture Days of Latin American Countries was attended by more than 9000 viewers, 7 films were shown, and the attendees could participate every evening in various Latin American events. More information: www.kinopavasaris.lt Venue: Various places

Vilnius Mama Jazz 2012 from 2012-11-14 to 2012-11-18 The International Jazz Festival Vilnius Mama Jazz was launched in 2002. The festival takes place in the second half of November every year. Due to its readiness to feature all styles and trends of jazz music with the emphasis on quality, individuality, and relevance of the music, the festival is a singular celebration. The Vilnius Mama Jazz Festival has over the years become one of the largest events in the capital. The festival programme features the music of world famous performers, Lithuanian jazz maestros, and joint international projects. Among those who have appeared on the festival bill are jazz celebrities such as Chick Corea, John McLaughlin, Bill Frisell, Marcus Miller, Christian McBride, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Medeski Martin & Wood, Dave Douglas, Wayne Shorter, Danilo Perez, John Patitucci, Brian Blade, Chris Potter, Bill Evans, The Bad Plus, Victor Bailey, Peter Brotzmann, Joe McPhee, Chris Minh Doky, John Scofield, Bobby Previte, Billy Cobham (USA), Erik Truffaz (France), Miroslav Vitous (Czech Republic), Jean Luc Ponty, Louis Sclavis (France), Vienna Art Orchestra (Austria), Satoko Fujii (Japan), Copenhagen Art Ensemble (Denmark), Dennis Rollins (Great Britain), Rosario Giuliani, Flavio Boltro (Italy) and Beady Belle (Norway). Organisers of the festival have their fingers on the pulse of the world jazz scene and offer audiences in Vilnius a wide range of music from the jazz palettes of Europe, the Americas, Asia, and other continents.