Vibrant traditions of the Kazyukas Fair in the heart of Lithuania

  We invite you to take a fascinating journey into the world of fairs, where tradition and commerce merge into a joyful celebration. Let's forget about sadness for a moment and immerse ourselves in the fabulous atmosphere of Kaziuko Mugė, the most popular fair in Lithuania.

  Kaziuko Mugė in Lithuania is somewhat reminiscent of our Sorochyntsi Fair, which takes place in the village of Velyki Sorochyntsi in Poltava region.

Historical significance

The celebration of Kazyukas, a holiday in honour of Prince Casimir, was a long-awaited event for Lithuanians. Since the interwar period, when Vilnius belonged to Poland, this celebration has become not only traditional, but also a symbol of the onset of spring. After a break in Soviet times and since the late 1990s, Kazyukas has returned to the heart of the city, retaining its unique flavour.

How did it happen?

Last Friday, 8 March, the streets of Vilnius came alive with actors recreating the images of Prince Casimir and his entourage. The staged procession along Gediminas Avenue became a real show.

Crafts and artisans

Walking around the fair, one could find themselves among many beautiful handicrafts, each with its own unique story. From exquisite knitted scarves to wooden toys and colourful ceramics, each product is a part of Lithuanian heritage. Craftsmen from all over Lithuania and the surrounding countries gathered to showcase their art. This event is a testament to Lithuania's rich artistic heritage and modern ingenuity.

Here are some of the souvenirs available at the Kazyukas Fair:

• The Willow of the Vilnius Region. This symbol perfectly complemented the atmosphere of early spring at the fair. Colourful willows of various sizes and colours were among the most popular items bought at the fair.

• Wooden souvenirs. Classic wooden products such as spoons, spatulas and others have always been popular at Kazyukas. They are an integral part of the fair and can always be found on sale.

• Ceramic products. From handmade ceramic vessels to unique earrings or whistles that call for spring, ceramic products have always impressed with their beauty and originality.

• Wickerwork. Kazyukas Fair is known for its beautiful baskets and other wickerwork. Here you could find baskets of various sizes and shapes that could be used to store other purchases from the fair.
  

Culinary delights

On the main streets of the city, the air was filled with the aromas of traditional Lithuanian cuisine. During these days, you could taste a variety of dishes such as cepelinai, cone, vėdarai (potato sausages), as well as buy a wide selection of smoked meat and fish products, various cheeses, honey, bread and other homemade pastries.

If you are going to Kazyukas Fair, be sure to try these three dishes that will definitely enchant your taste buds:

• Bagels and pretzels. At the fair, you will find a lot of custard bagels and pretzels, which will be a great snack for the whole family or a great souvenir for relatives who could not attend the event.

• Fair gingerbread. This is one of the most popular treats at Kazyukas, which can come in a variety of sizes and colours, including the most popular heart-shaped gingerbread decorated with coloured sugar glaze.

• Tatar simtalapis (table cake). The famous Tatar pastry "Simtalapis" is a delicate poppy seed roll made from thin puff pastry that requires extraordinary skill in preparation.

"The small square in front of St John's Church in Vilnius is packed with people. Rows of stalls with mountains of "Smorgon bagels" from the town of Smorgon (now in Belarus), the same Smorgon that was once famous for its bear academy. These bagels - "sugar", "vanilla", "dried", "with black cumin" - are a must-have attribute of every Vilnius fair. These bakery products are also called "Kaziuks" because the largest number of locals bring them to the annual St. Casimir's Fair," wrote Elżbieta Minkiewicz in 1936 in Tygodnik Ilustrowany (Illustrated Weekly) (quote taken from the blog Sto smaków Aliny, "One Hundred Tastes of Alina").

Musical and cultural performances

Traditional musicians, dance groups and street performances kept the festive spirit alive. During their stay at the fair, visitors were automatically immersed in the festive atmosphere, singing and dancing along with others. One of the key features of Kaziuko Mugė is the music that echoed through the streets, adding even more joy and festive mood.

A particular highlight of this year's event was the performance of the traditional folk song "Eisva mudu abudu" ("Let's go" together), which became the event's motto. This celebration was especially important in connection with the centenary of the first Song Festival held in 1924 in the "temporary capital" of Kaunas.

Kaziuko Mugė, with its vibrant atmosphere, traditions and charm truly embodies the spirit of Lithuania. It is not just a fair, but a real celebration of Lithuanian culture that leaves an unforgettable impression on all visitors.