“Visa Lietuva šoka” (All of Lithuania is Dancing) is the eighth annual folk dance festival attracting thousands of dancers to cities and towns throughout Lithuania on September 15. The joy of dancing, experiencing their ethnic culture and traditions will have every town square and public space filled with swirling dancers in costume, performing dances typical of their region – the Highlands (Aukštaitija), Southeastern Lithuania (Dzūkija), Sudovia (Sūduva or Suvalkija), the Lowlands (Žemaitija) and Lithuania Minor (Mažoji Lietuva).
The biggest events will be held in Independence Square in Kaunas, Resurrection Square in Šiauliai, Freedom Square in Panevėžys, Poetry Park in Marijampolė, City Hall Square in Kretinga, and beside the Kurhauz Concert Hall in Palanga.
In the Šiauliai district there will be eight events altogether, and in Jonava children, youth and adults will be given lessons ahead of time, so they can all join in the fun. In Vilnius, the main event will be in Vincas Kudirka Square, and will be part of the Multicultural Fair. Leading the dances will be six folklore ensembles and the “Vydraga” band.
The event has been highly popular since 2015, with various businesses, communities and amateur groups from every corner of Lithuania participating, along with junior dancers from Lithuanian communities in the United Kingdom, Wales, Germany, and Norway.
According to the National Cultural Centre of Lithuania, the event consists of over 100 festivals and attracts about 20,000 dancers and spectators.
