Vilnius residents and city guests will be welcomed by citizens of various nationalities living in Lithuania, inviting them to immerse themselves in a multicultural whirlpool, try world flavors, and enjoy a rich music and dance program. This annual event has already become an integral part of Vilnius autumn, promoting community spirit, friendship among nations, and respect for different traditions.
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This year’s fair pride is an exceptional Gastronomy program. In the “Alley of Nations’ Flavors” located on Gediminas Avenue, representatives of more than 20 countries will present their culinary heritage. Visitors will be able not only to purchase traditional Lithuanian meat products but also to embark on an exotic flavor journey. Here await spices from the mountains of Georgia, Spanish chorizo, Turkish halva, and authentic culinary wonders from Tunisia, Portugal, Chile, and Japan. In Odminiai Square, the “Nations’ Dishes” zone will be set up, where authentic hot dishes will steam – from Uzbek pilaf to Israeli shakshuka.
The fair’s cultural program promises unforgettable impressions. Visitors can look forward to the concert program “You and I are Vilnius,” the ethnic culture action “All Lithuania Dances,” the art festival “Circle of Friendship,” and the Roma culture festival “Gypsy Fest,” which returns thunderously for its tenth anniversary.
We invite you to get acquainted with the detailed event program, and more information can be found on the official website.
XVIII Nations Fair event program:
Every day – Gastronomy and Crafts Festival
Every day from 10:00 am, Gediminas Avenue and Odminiai Square will turn into a town of flavors and crafts. Here will operate the “Alley of Nations’ Flavors,” the “Nations’ Dishes” zone, and the neighboring Latvian traders’ area. On Saturday and Sunday, in Lukiškės Square, national communities will invite not only to taste but also to closely observe the food preparation processes and learn the secrets of traditions. In other fair areas, from early morning, Lithuanian crafts and national heritage creators will reign.
September 18, Friday
The festive fair weekend will start at V. Kudirka Square. At 4:00 pm, visitors will be welcomed by the concert program “You and I are Vilnius,” featuring musical performances by lecturers and students of the Faculty of Arts and Design of Vilnius College. From 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, in the same square, the action “All Lithuania Dances” will take place – folklore ensembles of the capital will invite everyone to learn traditional dance steps from Aukštaitija, Dzūkija, Suvalkija, Žemaitija, and Lithuania Minor to live music.
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September 19, Saturday – Cultural Diversity and “Gypsy Fest”
Saturday will be dedicated to the colorful friendship of world nations. At V. Kudirka Square from 12:00 pm to 3:30 pm, the art festival “Circle of Friendship” will bustle, featuring various children’s, youth, and senior groups from Lithuania and abroad, including a Mexican folk dance group and the Vilnius region knights’ band.
In Lukiškės Square from 1:00 pm until evening, the National Communities program “Meeting in Vilnius” will take place. On stage, groups of Ukrainians, Tatars, Germans, Russians, Kyrgyz, and Greeks living in Lithuania will alternate, and in special “Art Tents,” visual arts educators will present their creations.
The second half of the day will be dedicated to the jubilee tenth “GYPSY FEST” festival. At 3:00 pm, townspeople and participants will gather in Town Hall Square for a colorful festive procession, which at 4:00 pm will move towards V. Kudirka Square. There at 6:00 pm, the Grand Concert and the third “Romavision” contest will begin.
September 20, Sunday – Continuation of Traditions and Guests from Thailand
On the last day of the fair, at V. Kudirka Square (12:00 pm–3:00 pm), the “Circle of Friendship” performances will continue. This time, the audience will be delighted by our Polish, Jewish, Tatar, and Lithuanian song and dance ensembles. The day’s closing highlight will be the Thai guests’ demonstration “Muay Thai” martial arts program at 3:00 pm.
Meanwhile, in Lukiškės Square from noon, the “Meeting in Vilnius” program will sound again, with performances continuing by Lithuanian national community groups from Ukraine, Belarus, and the Tatar community. Fair visitors will also have the last chance to visit the “Art Tents” and taste traditional dishes.
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All fair events are free of charge.
