Events
Shrovetide Events in the Šilutė District, February 14–17
We invite you to loud and cheerful Shrovetide (Užgavėnės) celebrations in the Šilutė district! In February, festivities filled with traditions, music, pancakes, and the symbolic driving away of winter will take place across various elderships.
February 14 – Juknaičiai
Shrovetide and the Day of the Restoration of the State of Lithuania (Lietuvos valstybės atkūrimo diena) commemoration.
11:00 AM–12:00 PM – masqueraders’ parade in the town.
1:00 PM – commemoration near the Juknaičiai Cultural Center (Juknaičių kultūros centras). Participants: dance group “Juknaičiai”, Juknaičiai band “Alka.”
1:30 PM – games and traditional dances with Rasa Gailiuvienė, the group “Juknaičiai”, and the bands “Alka” and “Karčema.”
Expect costumed characters, traditional dishes, the duel of Kanapinis and Lašininis, and a festive fair.
In case of bad weather, events will take place in the stained-glass hall of the Juknaičiai Cultural Center (Juknaičių kultūros centras).
February 17 – Žemaičių Naumiestis
“Celebrate Shrovetide and Don’t Be Lazy!” (Užgavėnėk ir netingėk!)
5:00 PM – Shrovetide celebration at Market Square (Turgaus aikštė).
Featuring the Degučiai village folklore group “Pilutė”, led by Adma Baltutienė.
February 17 – Rusnė
“Pancake Hour” (Blynų valanda)
12:00–1:00 PM – pancakes, games, and circle dances near the Rusnė Cultural Center (Rusnės kultūros centras).
February 17 – Vainutas
Shrovetide Pancake Evening
From 4:00 PM, witches, devils, fortune tellers, and other mystical creatures will visit institutions, workplaces, and town residents. Those wishing to dress up are invited to gather near the Vainutas Cultural Center (Vainuto kultūros centras).
5:00 PM – celebration near the cultural center:
- Shrovetide pranks
- Pancake “piercing” with hoes
- Kanapinis and Lašininis podium
- “Morė’s Last Tango”
- “Witches’ vaccinations”
- A pot of šiupinys
The funniest mask will be selected and awarded.
Music by the Juknaičiai band “Alka”, leader Vygantas Stoškus.
February 17 – Usėnai
“Shrovetide – Herald of Spring” (Užgavėnės – pavasario pranašas). Šiupinys Day at the square of the Usėnai Eldership Community House (Usėnų seniūnijos bendruomenės namai).
10:00 AM–2:00 PM – invitation tour visiting homesteads and institutions of the eldership.
3:00 PM – Shrovetide festivities with pancake and šiupinys tasting.
Musical program by the Usėnai vocal-instrumental group “Gegė”, led by Rolandas Bartkus.
Organizers: Usėnai branch of the Šilutė Cultural Center (Šilutės kultūros centras), Usėnai eldership, Usėnai community.
Partner: Youth center “Nemunas.”
February 17 – Gardamas
Joyful Shrovetide
12:00 PM – celebration near the Gardamas Eldership (Gardamo seniūnija).
Featuring the Degučiai village folklore ensemble “Pilutė.”
February 17 – Katyčiai
“The Noise of Winter’s End” (Žiemos pabaigos triukšmas)
1:30 PM – Shrovetide celebration in Katyčiai.
You can expect:
- hearty Shrovetide porridge
- tug of war
- sack races
- the eternal battle between Lašininis and Kanapinis
- scariest mask contest
- lively festivities and dancing
Organizers invite you to bring anything that rattles, clangs, or bangs — together we will drive winter out of the yard!
All events are free of charge.
