Among winds, lagoons, music, and traditions
The idea of “Regyklos” was born as a continuation of the 30-year-old festival “Mėnuo Juodaragis,” while also aiming to create a new event that would connect unique local heritage experiences, distinctive cultural legacy, contemporary creativity, and the understanding and respect for nature. The debuting festival will begin in a special place – Ventė Cape, home to the famous bird ringing station and radiating the oldest lighthouse in Lithuania.
“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 ‘Regyklos’ are connected with the ideas of the famous educator Vydūnas, a 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 Lithuanians, 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 ‘Regyklos.'”
Known and new names on the music stages
The festival’s musical program, related to the forces of nature and winds, will be played on two stages located on the shores of the Curonian Lagoon. Visitors can expect 26 special musical experiences covering various genres – from ethno-electronic and rock to folklore and classical choral music.
Reflecting the local heritage idea, the festival stages will feature 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 celebration include the rising dark post-metal and atmospheric folk-rock band “Helga” from the United Kingdom, the hypnotic shamanic Sami spirit-infused Torgeir Vassvik trio from Norway, and the lively Viking ensemble “Krauka” from Denmark. The legendary Lithuanian electronic music masters “Happyendless” will create the sonic climax of “Regyklos.”
Lectures, crafts, and nature’s secrets
The three-day festival will feature a very rich cultural program with many educational activities. In the lecture space, renowned culture and history specialists will meet, inviting a deeper understanding of Lithuania Minor, while the newly established “Nature School” will host nature experts leading educational sessions and discussions on current and often controversial topics. A curated program of 18 films will be presented on the night cinema screens.
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A separate and colorful part of the festival is dedicated to the old crafts of the coastal region. Historical wooden sailing ships will arrive at the festival, inviting visitors on a dreamy journey across the Curonian Lagoon. Lithuanian sauna rituals can also be enjoyed.
The highlights of the “Regyklos” program will be several special mythological mysteries on the water and impressive artistic installations.
Visitor restrictions
Due to the unique format of the event and the exceptional environment of Ventė Cape, the number of festival visitors is strictly limited. From July 31 to August 2, access to the Ventė Cape area will be very restricted for visitors without event tickets, additional traffic regulations and restrictions will be applied, and traffic jams are possible.
To avoid inconveniences and ensure a quality experience for both event participants and tourists, the organizers recommend planning alternative routes or postponing visits to another time on these days. If postponing the trip is not possible, the organizers advise choosing to arrive on August 2, Sunday, the last day of the festival.
The detailed festival program is published on the festival website.
