The World Lithuanian Folk Song Festival of 1998

The first official Song Festival was held on July23rd and 24th, 1924 in Kaunas when 2,800 singers and 86 choruses performed 44 songs. The 1994 World Lithuanian Song Festival was the first since the forced and unlawful incorporation of Lithuanian into the Soviet Union, when a multitude of 13,000 singers took the stage.

On July 6th, 1998, over 10,000 singers and choir directors are expected to perform at the 15th Song Day concert at Vingio Park in Vilnius. Most of us have never heard such a multitude of voices sing together. It is truly an unbelievable experience.

Even though the event is called a "Song Festival", it is much more than that. It is also a dance festival. The very first Folk Dance Festival was held in Kaunas in 1937. Traditionally, every dance festival is a production with its very own theme. This 1998 dance festival theme is bread. Bread, being the staff of life, has been the subject of many customs and ceremonies. You need to taste Lithuanian breads to know its magical powers and characteristics.

During the World Lithuanian Song Festival, the audience will be dazzled beyond belief as they watch over 10,000 dancers, young and old, in the most colorful and unique national costumes from all parts of Lithuania as well as from various countries of the world where Lithuanians live. They can expect to see a number of Lithuanian-American dance and song groups perform together with Lithuania's groups as part of one integrated nation.

The Festival actually starts July 2nd with an evening of Lithuanian music at 6:00 p.m. A Concert at the Ministry of Interior Affairs Palace of Culture and Sports will provide the setting where audiences can hear and see performers who live outside Lithuania. At 8:00 p.m., a concert highlighting the Lithuanian musical instrument "kankles" will take place in the courtyard of the "Teacher'sHouse".

July 3rd is the designated Folklore Day in Vilnius's Old Town and Sereikų Park. This is a "hands-on" experience of the cultural activities from all regions. Attendees can join in with the dancers or sing along or hum if they wish with the singing groups. Others can join some games, throw a clay pot on the wheel, and whittle a reed then pipe a tune on it. Food abounds during this day Lithuanian cheeses, buns, breads, beers, and sausages. Over 200 craftsmen will demonstrate their weaving, carving, and cooking. What a wonderful way to learn your heritage!

The Lithuanian Folk Dance Exhibition links generations with its displays of over 2,000 works by some 800 of the best artists. The exhibits include national costumes, bedspreads, towels, hangers, needlework, furniture, musical instruments, pottery, amber and metal ornaments, horns, leather, straw, dyed eggs, and last but not least, Palm Sunday flowers "verbos".

On July 4th, the "Ensemble Night" at Kalnu Park in Kaunas provides visitors with a chance to hear and see not only the old Lithuanian songs and dances, but also some contemporary ones Ö many of which were written by Lithuanian-Americans. About 2,000 performers contribute to this musical evening.

If you wish to visit Lithuania this summer, this Festival will surely be a highlight of your trip! During the first week of July, The World Lithuanian Song Festival will provide music, song, dance, crafts, food, sights, and hospitable people.