15th edition of the Nations’ Fair in Vilnius. In a rich programme – the Polish polonaise

On September 15-17, the Nations’ Fair will be held in Vilnius for the fifteenth time. The traditions and customs of the various communities living in Lithuania will mix on the streets of Vilnius. The event’s extensive programme will also feature the Polish national dance, polonaise.

This weekend, Gediminas Avenue will be bustling and cheerful. The Nations’ Fair, which starts on Friday, attracts 250,000 Vilnians and tourists visiting the city every year.

An opportunity to get acquainted with different communities

The Nations’ Fair is a great opportunity to get to know the cultures of the national communities in particular. The event traditionally features folk craftsmen, masters of cuisine chefs and virtuoso dancers and singers. Various shows, concerts, a culinary zone and a sports zone are just some of the attractions that will be waiting in the city’s main avenue, from the Parliament House to Cathedral Square, during the weekend.

– This is one of the largest and most colourful September events in the capital.  This year, the event will be held for the fifteenth time. Everyone is invited to participate this Friday. We are delighted that so many participants have signed up. There will be traditional events such as a family basketball tournament, creative workshops, the “All Lithuania Dances” project and the “Circle of Friendship” festival – announces Vytenis Urba, organiser of the Nations’ Fair, in an interview with the Vilnian Courier.

Local crafts, regional cuisine, musical performances – all of this will be on offer to participants of the event. Above all, local communities, such as the Tatars, Karaites and Ukrainians, will present their traditions and culture. Traditionally, there will also be plenty of Polish accents. Polish folklore ensembles will present their artistic achievements: “Wilia”, “Wilenka”, “Sto uśmiechów”, “Bursztynki”, “Przyjaźń”, “Hałas”, “Kropelki”, “Rudomianka”.

Polonaise and attractions for amateurs of active recreation

The event’s extensive programme will also feature the Polish national dance, polonaise.

On September 17, it will be danced by more than 200 couples on Cathedral Square between 8 p.m. and 9 p.m. For those who will not have the opportunity to watch the dance live, it is worth knowing that the event will be broadcast on the Polish TV channels TVP1, TVP Polonia, TVP Kultura and TVP Vilnius.

For fans of active outdoor activities, the organizers also provide a number of attractions.  There will also be plenty of entertainment for the youngest participants.

Most of the space will be occupied by craft and culinary stands, where visitors will have the opportunity to learn about traditional customs and methods of making items, as well as taste local dishes.

On Friday, September 15 at 3 p.m., a concert will be held on the main stage, which will stand on Vincas Kudirka Square. The official opening of the Nations’ Fair will be announced after the concert at 4 p.m., while a polonaise performed by more than 200 dancing couples will close the autumn event.