Archives for “Art & culture” tag

In the beginning of May all Lithuanian people are waiting for one of the most interesting days of the year. That day is called “Street Musicians Day”. Thousands of people go out to the streets to play or listen live music.

“Street Musicians Day” has a mission to unite all people who speak the world’s most universal language – the language of music. This is the day when a lot of professional and amateur musicians go out onto the streets, yards, parks and squares of Vilnius centre.

I love this day because none of the musicians want to earn money that day, they come to the streets because they just love music and want to share it with others. Musicians play rock, classics, jazz, folklore, beat African rhythms and other styles of music. So, on “Street Musicians Day” I always find a lot of good and various music.

I am very happy because Lithuania has an exclusive musician, actor and photographer Andrius Mamontovas, who founded “Street Musicians Day” in 2007. He invites all music loving people to share and to listen a lot of live sounds.

“Street Musicians Day” started in Vilnius, but now this festival is running in different Lithuanian regions and abroad. I hope that “Street Musician Day” will become a worldwide music festival.

One of my favorite spots in Vilnius is Boutique Privilege. It is a small shop which specializes in elite and fashionable items such as handmade jewellery, accessories and clothing. All handmade things, which you can find here, are unique and show that handmade things are much more original than any old thing which you can find in other shops.

Boutique Privilege was founded in 2011 by Anna D. Mangirdienė. She is not just an owner of the boutique, but she also creates a lot of original jewellery. She plays with natural stones, wire and creates fashionable yet never-seen-before items. Moreover, Anna creates a lot of original clothing.

Another jewellery creator Kristina Karalyte – Sniege is well-known as a singer. She loves to create jewellery from brass. Also, her works are similar to Baroque and Vintage style. Furthermore, Kristina creates handmade postcard for all occasions.

At Boutique Privilege men can also shop for accessories. Jewellery creator Arnoldas Mazeika also known as Lithuanian boxer champion, creates bracelets, original watches and accessories from leather.

I am absolutely sure, that Boutique Privilege is the best place in Vilnius, where you can find a lot of handmade things for low prices. Boutique Privilege ensures that all things are authentic and gives you a certificate. Enjoy original handmade jewellery and clothing!

I can’t imagine my summer in Vilnius without my beautiful evenings with friends at the Summer Terrace (Vasaros Terasa in Lithuanian). The Summer Terrace opens in late spring and closes in early autumn. I think that this terrace is the best place in Vilnius to feel the summer season.

The Summer Terrace became a part of Vilnius city life eight years ago and is still successful. This terrace connects lots of different activities such as concerts to live DJ’s, MC battles, flea markets, dance battles or sport matches on tv. Also, here you can enjoy very delicious snacks or just meet your friends.

The Summer Terrace is located in a very beautiful yard with some plants, good acoustics and cosy atmosphere. Two life size ceramic cows with wings (!), symbolize all amazing activities which thrive around them, standing in the yard.

I really recommend you spend some time in the Summer Terrace and I promise that you will be amazed by the atmosphere and live music, which sounds here every evening… Enjoy!

Tuskulėnai Manor is beautiful place and local people enjoyed walking through its park. Many without knowing what secrets are buried there… Until 1994 when a mass grave of victims from the Soviet regime was found. These victims were buried from 1944-1947 and scientists have found remains of 794 people.

Now the Memorial Complex of the Tuskulėnai Peace Park is standing here. There is an exhibition “Secrets of Tuskulėnai Manor” which shows the cruelty of the Soviet regime. Some of it is very shocking and even hard to imagine. There is also the Chapel-columbarium where the remains of the victims now rest in peace. When I entered this chapel for the first time, it took my breath away. It’s beautiful, scary, impressive and magnificent all at the same time. It is one of the most impressive places in Vilnius in my opinion.

Tuskulėnai Peace park is a good place to admire the neoclassical ensemble of the manor and take a walk, as well. And it’s free. Though the exhibition “Secrets of Tuskulėnai Manor” does charge a fee, which includes a visit to the chapel.

I always thought that The Way of the Cross of Vilnius Calvary was just a sacred place for pilgrims. But some years ago I found that it is a very beautiful place to relax and enjoy the nature too.

In a lot of Vilnius travel guides Vilnius is called a green city. In The Way of the Cross of Vilnius Calvary you can see the synthesis between nature and the new micro-district. You can find all kinds of people here: groups of friends, jogging people, parents with kids, people with their pets, bicycle fanatics or just young or aged people walking and enjoying the weather of the forest.

Of course, it is always possible to meet groups of pilgrims, who make a journey on foot to repeat the route to the cross Jesus Christ took. There is a sacred architectural ensemble of the Stations of the Cross, where all pilgrims stops to pray for the Lord. The most beautiful day in Vilnius Calvary is the Pentecost, when thousands of people climb the hills of this sacred place intoning poignant hymns.