According to the organizers, this year the event is taking place for the first time after the tradition received the status of an intangible cultural heritage value of Lithuania.
According to the event organizers, the highlight of the evening will be the restoration of the historical custom – horse bathing in the Šventoji River.
“Just like back then, when village horses were commonly grazed on summer and autumn nights, horses will wade into the river today, and guests of the festival will be able not only to watch this impressive sight but also to touch the old tradition themselves,” the statement says.
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The event will also feature educational activities, horse care presentations, blacksmith craft demonstrations, performances by folklore groups, and a fair of protected area product brand holders and local craftsmen.
The tradition of Naktigonė, when village residents jointly grazed horses and bathed them in the river on summer nights, existed in Lithuania until the beginning of the 20th century, until peasants moved to individual farms.
