Among winds, lagoons, music, and traditions
The idea of “Regykla” was born as a continuation of the 30-year-old festival “Mėnuo Juodaragis,” while also being a concept to create a new event that would connect unique local heritage experiences, distinctive cultural heritage, contemporary creativity, and the understanding and respect for nature. The debuting festival began in a special place – Ventė Cape, where the famous bird ringing station is located and the oldest lighthouse in Lithuania radiates its light.
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“This event is a new beginning for our team, a kind of blank page,” says Povilė Šlepetytė, head of the “Mėnuo Juodaragis” association. “The name and spirit of ‘Regykla’ are connected with the ideas of the famous educator Vydūnas, and the very unique and newly rediscovered heritage of the region of Lithuania Minor. We are also obliged by Ventė Cape itself, a place probably known to all Lithuanian residents, where the bird migration route stretches and enchanting natural landscapes captivate. A harmonious relationship between humans, science, culture, and nature is the essential theme and task of ‘Regykla.'”
Known and new names on the music stages
The festival’s musical program, connected with the elements of nature and wind, played on two stages located on the shores of the Curonian Lagoon. Visitors were treated to 26 special musical experiences covering various genres – from ethno-electronics and rock to folklore and classical choral music.
Reflecting the local heritage idea, the festival stages invited the most interesting creators from Western Lithuania, as well as a group of well-known and completely new intriguing alternative music performers. Special guests of the event included the rising dark post-metal and atmospheric folk-rock band “Helga” from the United Kingdom, the hypnotic shamanic Sami spirit trio Torgeir Vassvik from Norway, and the lively Viking ensemble “Krauka” from Denmark. The sonic climax of “Regykla” was created by the legendary Lithuanian electronic music masters “Happyendless.”
Lectures, crafts, and nature’s secrets
The three-day festival featured a very rich cultural program with many educational activities. In the lecture space, renowned culture and history specialists gathered to invite a deeper understanding of Lithuania Minor, while in the newly established “Nature School,” naturalists led educational sessions and discussions on current and often controversial topics. A curated program of 18 films was presented on the night cinema screens.
A separate and colorful part of the festival was dedicated to the ancient crafts of the coastal region. Historical wooden sailing ships arrived at the festival, inviting visitors on a dreamy journey across the Curonian Lagoon. It was also possible to enjoy Lithuanian sauna rituals.
The highlights of the “Regykla” program were several special mythological mysteries on the water and impressive artistic installations.
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