Mardi Gras with children 2025

Since ancient times, during Mardi Gras (in lithuanian – Uzgavenes), people would dress up as devils, witches, bears, or other mystical characters. They would travel through villages, playing pranks and making noise with the loudest instruments – all to drive winter away as quickly as possible! These traditions are still alive today – in Lithuania, Mardi Gras with children 2025 will be just as fun as every year.

On the eve of Mardi Gras, the smell of pancakes fills the house, candy bowls are stocked up, and little guests are eagerly awaited. This is probably the most anticipated Mardi Gras tradition for most children! Dressing up and going to neighbors’ houses to ask for sweets, then enjoying the collected treasure with their family in the evening. Besides this tradition, Mardi Gras includes many other customs of our nation – the battle between Lašininis (“Porky” personifying winter) and Kanapinis (“Hempen man” personifying spring). Mask making, the traditional chant “Winter, winter, go away!” during the parade, and the most important part – burning Morė (effigy of winter) to say goodbye to winter. Lithuanian cities cherish all these traditions and organize the most entertaining events. If you’re looking for a fun time with kids this year, check out the Mardi Gras with children 2025 event program!

Mardi Gras with children 2025 Lithuanian cities:

1. Vilnius
2. Mardi gras in the Lithuanian Zoo
3. Klaipėda
4. Panevėžys
5. Marijampolė
6. Rokiškis
7. Utena
8. Trakai
9. Rumšiškės
10. Jonava
11. Druskininkai
12. Palanga 
13. Šventoji
14. Radviliškis District – Kleboniškiai Village Ethnographic Museum
15. Širvintos
16. Kernavė
17. Plateliai
18. Naisiai
19. Šalčininkai

Vilnius

On February 13, the Vilnius Ethnic Culture Center invites all locals and guests to the most anticipated winter event, filled with music, costumes, and, of course, the burning of Morė!

As every year, the highlight of Mardi Gras will be the colorful parade, filling the city with joy and the traditional chant, “Winter, winter, go away!”. A three-meter-tall Morė, symbolizing the end of winter, will be carried through the city, accompanied by the folk group “Ratilai.” Festival participants are welcome to join the parade at any point, dancing and singing along.

Of course, the most important traditional Mardi Gras characters – Lašininis and Kanapinis. They will face off in a battle of songs, dances, and strength, fighting for the arrival of spring. This winter-chasing duel will take place near the White Bridge, where Morė will vanish in flames. After this ritual, the fun won’t stop – everyone’s invited to the wild concert of “Rakija Klezmer Band.”

Mardi Gras Program:

• 16:30 Odminiai Square – Festive parade participants’ introduction, parade march along Gediminas Avenue.
• 17:00 V. Kudirka Square – Parade participants’ fun and games, continuing along Gediminas Avenue.
• 17:25 Lukiškės Square – More fun and games, parade from Lukiškės Square to the White Bridge.
• 18:00 Meadow near the White Bridge (on the Upės St. side) – The Grand Mardi Gras Celebration: Kanapinis and Lašininis battle. Morė burning ceremony. Folk’n’Roll concert by the band “Robaksai.”

Mardi Gras with children 2025 at the Lithuanian Zoo

With spring’s arrival, not only does nature wake up, but so does our desire to spend time with family and visit zoos. To celebrate this, the Lithuanian Zoo invites you to chase winter away in a wildly fun way!

On March 4 at 10:00 AM, a true Mardi Gras fiesta awaits with dancing, singing, traditional games, and, of course, delicious pancakes! Put on your most creative masks — there will be a lively atmosphere and surprises for the most inventive participants. Entry to the celebration is included with the zoo admission ticket, so after the festivities, you can stroll through the springtime Lithuanian Zoo and visit its residents.

Program:

• 10:30-11:30 AM – Lively Mardi Gras dances, games, the battle between Lašininis and Kanapinis, and delicious pancakes!
• 11:30 AM – 12:00 PM – The grand climax of the celebration with surprises from the Lithuanian Zoo Friends and the traditional farewell to winter – the burning of Morė!
• 11:00 AM – Presentation of exotic animals (Exoticarium, near the crocodile caiman enclosure).
• 12:30 PM – Presentation of camels (upper part of the area, near the camel enclosure).
• 1:00 PM – Presentation of otters (upper part of the area, near the otter enclosure).
• 1:30 PM – Presentation of giraffes (lower part of the area, near the giraffe enclosure, indoor area (weather permitting, on the slope path)).
• 2:00 PM – Presentation of rhinos (lower part of the area, near the rhino enclosure).
• 3:00 PM – Presentation of farm animals (upper part of the area, the village).
• 4:00 PM – Ant-eater, feeding time (near the entrance to the Lithuanian Zoo, on the right, by the indoor ant facilities, at the glass).

Klaipėda

On March 2 at 2:00 PM, an unusual Mardi Gras celebration called “Pilvo gale jomarkas!” will take place at the Theater Square in Klaipėda. A real competition for the position of jomarkas director will unfold, with candidates vying for the role. The contenders are meat processing mogul Lašininis and the Cabbage and Potato Department broker Kanapinskas.

The celebration will be full of dancing, laughter, and even discounts for the event participants. Popular folk ensembles will perform, including “Gatunkas” from Klaipėda, “Karšuva” and “Gers Smuoks” from Šilalė. “Žvejytės” from Dreverna, and also groups from the Klaipėda Ethnographic Culture Center.

Additionally, during the Mardi Gras celebration, there will be the Kaziuko Fair at the Theater Square entrance. Here you can purchase various handmade items and delicious treats.

Panevėžys

On March 1, the center of Panevėžys will turn into a true Mardi Gras celebration spot! A colorful carnival and traditional fair filled with music, dancing, and good vibes await you.

From 11 AM to 6 PM, P. Puzino Street will be bustling with the Mardi Gras fair. Here, you’ll find delicious baked goods, smoked products, folk art crafts, and much more. Dressed-up participants will march through the streets, and the highly anticipated event – the battle between Lašininis and Kanapinis. Folk ensembles and bands will ensure there is no shortage of authentic songs and dances.

Meanwhile, at the Panevėžys Culture Center, Count Blynevičius will invite you to an impressive carnival! Fun performances will take place at 12:00, 14:00, and 16:00, and you can watch them with FREE tickets and Mardi Gras masks. You’ll enjoy historical dances performed by the “Baltoji Pavana” studio, ancient music ensemble “Ludus” from Latvia, and even baroque cuisine dishes.

Don’t forget to dress up in a unique mask or costume – the most stylish look will be awarded the “Mardi Gras Diamonds” by the Count! There will also be creative workshops where you can make carnival accessories.

Marijampolė

On March 2, at 1:00 PM, a colorful and fun Mardi Gras celebration will take place in J. Basanavičius Square in Marijampolė! The event will feature traditional dances, music, and performances by folk ensembles such as “Žibinyčia,” “Žolynukai,” and the “Klevelis” group from Sūduva Gymnasium. The “Žiogeliai” group and the “Gudeliai” band will also perform. Participants in costumes will be awarded for their creativity!

Starting from 10:00 AM, everyone is invited to the Mardi Gras fair, where you can enjoy delicious Mardi Gras pancakes, listen to lively music, and celebrate the end of winter. The event will be hosted by Aušra Kurmilevičienė and Algirdas Stadalius.

Rokiškis

On March 4, the actual day of Mardi Gras, the Rokiškis Regional Museum will host a Mardi Gras celebration from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. As in other places, visitors will enjoy traditional Mardi Gras festivities, including competitions, original masks, and ancient Lithuanian traditions.

Utena

On March 2, Utena will host a fun celebration with performances by the Utena Cultural Center ensembles and all the traditional Mardi Gras activities, including a fair and many other events. The seal swimming program will begin at 12:00 PM, and the Mardi Gras celebration will start at 2:30 PM.

Utena Mardi Gras Celebration Program:

• 12:00 PM – Preparing the location, creating a fire, and interacting with people who have questions about ice swimming (Near Dauniškis Lake Bridge).
• 1:10 PM – Warm-up and exercises before the swim with trainer Donata from “GYM gates.”
• 1:50 PM – Group photo.
• 2:00 PM – Cold therapy – entering the water. Conversations by the fire, jacuzzi, and other activities. Hot tea awaits.
• 2:30–3:00 PM – Parade from Dauniškis Bridge, seal attraction.
• 3:00–3:20 PM – Performance, Lašininis and Kanapinis battle, tug-of-war.
• 3:20–3:35 PM – Dance and song ensemble “Vieversa.”
• 3:35–3:55 PM – Utena flashmob.
• 3:55–4:35 PM – Band “Seliavytė.”
• 4:35–5:05 PM – Ensemble “Davila.”
• 5:05–5:30 PM – Band “Uteniškiai.”
• 5:30–6:30 PM – Group “Išjunk šviesą.”
• 6:30–6:50 PM – Fire show and burning of Morė.

Trakai

On March 1, Trakai will host the Mardi Gras celebration “PaVasarėja” (Spring is coming). Local communities, institutions, organizations, schools, and business representatives, as well as guests from Trakai, are invited to join the noisy and colorful parade and festivities at the Town Hall Square.

To properly drive out the winter and welcome spring, participants are encouraged to embody the most vibrant Mardi Gras characters – including Bears, Devils, Goats, Witches, Old Women, Old Men, the Grim Reaper, wedding guests, and other unusual figures. The more creative, the better! To ensure that spring hears the invitation, be sure to carry colorful spring-themed accents.

Those wishing to join the mask parade will be welcomed at the Trakai Cultural and Arts Center Square, where registration will take place. Participants, don’t forget your loud chants or musical instruments! To join the parade, please notify via email or phone. The Mardi Gras mask parade will begin at 1:30 PM.

Rumšiškės 

This year, the Lithuanian Ethnography Open-Air Museum invites you to celebrate Mardi Gras with goats! The goat mask is an important symbol of Žemaitian costumes, often associated with fertility and the selection of young couples.

During Mardi Gras, people traditionally dressed as goats not only entertained themselves but also performed symbolic rituals. Visitors will have the opportunity to see how goat costumes were made in the past, including the fur, horns, and headdress. If you’re planning to join the festive goat procession, the Lithuanian Ethnography Open-Air Museum’s website offers tips on how to traditionally dress as a goat.

Mardi gras in Rumšiškės program

The town 10 AM – 5 PM

• Culinary and national heritage masters and other talented craftsmen fair (Žemaitija roadsides, town entrances, and square)
• Information center (Tabariškės house)
• “House of Reincarnation” – what is forbidden by God (Tabariškės house)
• “Second chance” – exhibition and activity about using household items in mask making (Pušalotas house)
• “Give a second life” – making birds from textiles (County Administration)
• Mardi Gras post – postcards, souvenirs (Post office)
• Masks workshop (Firefighters’ shelter)
• Exhibition of oil paintings by students of Kaunas Art Gymnasium “Mardi Gras” (Firefighters’ shelter)
• “Easy to say, but is it easy to do?” – wooden mask carving with master Viktoras Raibužis and his students (Plungė house)
• “Have you seen a gray goat?” – paper goat workshop, ethnographic dolls, and photo exhibition (Plungė house)
• “Grandma’s goat” – making goats from acorns (Urmininkas house)
• “Fairy Bakery” (Bakery)
• “Horns” treatment – ​​doctor’s recipes (Žeimelis house)
• “Trade” in an interwar store (Žeimelis house)
• Photo studio with masks (Žeimelis house)
• Amber processing and weaving (Spital)

1-2 PM:

• Lecture “Slovak Morena and Lithuanian Morė. A comparative perspective”, to be read by doctoral student Stanislav Gubančok from St. Cyril and Methodius University in Trnava (Slovakia). (Tabariškės house)

SAMOGITIA

Noon – 3 PM:

• Šiauliai district cultural center (CC) Bazilionys branch Kurtuvėnai folklore ensemble “Kurtuove” and Telšiai CC folklore ensemble
• “Spigėns” (Darbėnai homestead)
• Radviliškis CC folklore ensemble “Aidija” and Vilnius city folklore ensemble “Virvytė” (Gintališkė homestead)
• Plungės CC folklore ensemble “Gondinga” and Telšiai folklore group “Sula” (Gondinga homestead)
• VU folklore ensemble “Ratilio” and Kaunas district Raudondvaris CC folklore ensemble “Piliarožė” (Užbradumė tavern)
• Kaišiadorys CC folklore ensemble “Verpeta” and Kaunas folklore club “Liktužė” (Kartena homestead)

Noon – 5 PM:

• Pot-breaking (Įpiltis homestead)
• Samogitian hodgepodge gustation (Gondinga homestead)

BY THE MILL

10 AM – 5 PM:

• “Bake a pancake with a friend” – independent pancake baking
• Equestrian race around the mill

Noon – 3 PM:

• “Who what?” – Lithuanian trotting

SUVALKIJA

• 10 AM – 5 PM Presentation of Kaunas police activities, reflectors, quiz, and police friend “Amsis” (by the oak tree)
• Noon – 3 PM Šakiai CC Griškabūdis unit folklore ensemble “NOVA” (Obelinė farmstead)
• Noon – 5 PM “Move with fun – live healthy” – sports activities (meadow near Obelinė homestead)
• 3 – 5 PM Rumšiškės CC “Rumškių Kapela” (Obelinė homestead)

HORSE ENTERTAINMENT

Noon – 4 PM (with a break)

• Ride in a horse-drawn carriage (starting point – by the hollow tree apiary)
• Horse riding (Dirgalis homestead, Samogitia)

NEAR MORĖ

• 2:30 – 3:30 PM Mask and ensemble procession from Samogitia towards Morė
• 3:30 – 4 PM Handing over the scepter to next year’s mask, the fight between Lašininis and Kanapinis, and a bonfire for Morė – a symbol of evil, misfortune, winter, and darkness!

NOT THE LAST DANCE

• 4 – 5 PM “Fun Dances Until Spring” with the folk band “Sutaras” (Town Square)

Jonava

In Jonava, the Mardi Gras celebration will take place on March 4 at 6 PM. The festivities will start at Sąjūdžio Square, where you can enjoy traditional Mardi Gras fun. You’ll get to taste delicious pancakes, dance, play, and celebrate the arrival of spring in many different ways.

The city of Jonava also invites organizations, communities, and institutions to join the Mardi Gras parade. For more information about registration, check online.

Druskininkai

In 2025, the Mardi Gras celebration in Druskininkai will be extra special. As the city has been named Lithuania’s Cultural Capital. The festive events will take place on March 1 at the Pramogų Square. Starting from 2:00 PM, the “Užgavėnių dūzgės 2025” program will include:

• 2:00 PM: “Palaido Baumililiūno šlovės valanda”, an orienteering game called “Moremonų gaudynės 2025”. Costume march with obstacles.
• 2:30 PM: Mardi Gras mask-making workshops “Tikrasis AŠ”, a festive makeup salon “Geriausia mano versija”, “Etno-Gym” attractions, the club “Judink raumenį”. SPA “Be parkių”, and a green carpet “FotoStop” with LašinZvonkiu and KanaStanu.
• 4:00 PM: The “U.Ž.G.A.V.Ė.N.I.Ų. PASIDOVANOJIMŲ” ceremony, “Dūzgių dūzgės” with Ryčius Cicinas, and the hot hour “Superstar Morės pabaiga”.

Additionally, on March 1-2, the Mardi Gras fair will take place along Vilniaus Alley, featuring folk artists, craftsmen, and food vendors.

In Viečiūnai, near Druskininkai, there will also be a Mardi Gras feast with performances by witches, traditional dishes, a fortune-telling salon, games, and dances with a local band and Justinas Lapatinskas. The event will be held in the park near the Community Center, where Morės will be displayed, followed by a burning ceremony.

Palanga

On March 4th, while waiting for spring, Palanga will host a vibrant and noisy Mardi Gras celebration, full of laughter, music, and, of course, traditional merriment.

The event will start at 16:30 on J. Basanavičiaus Street, where the legendary Morynės clothing salon will be set up— a place where the most stylish stylists and experienced makeup artists will ensure your Mardi Gras mask becomes truly impressive.

Before the Mardi Gras parade, at the Kurhaus, your health will be taken care of by a “certified doctor,” and a true chakra specialist will predict your future. At 17:30, the colorful parade of masked participants will head towards the seaside, where the fierce battle between Lašininis and Kanapinis will take place.

At the end of the event, around the burning Morė, a circle dance will be held near the Palanga Bridge.

Šventoji

On March 2nd, Šventoji invites you to a Mardi Gras celebration that will awaken spring with merriment and the smell of pancakes! The traditional Morė procession will begin at 14:00, spreading good vibes and inviting everyone to join in sending winter away.

At 14:30, the real marathon of fun will begin at the Šventoji pedestrian square—expect delightful pranks, dancing, and, of course, the pancake championship! Feel free to bring your most impressive pancakes—whether the biggest, smallest, most colorful, or the strangest shapes. A knowledgeable jury will choose the best, and the winners will receive prizes from “Malsena.”

Don’t miss the legendary battle between Lašininis and Kanapinis—who will win this year, winter or spring? After all the festivities, there will be the traditional burning of Morė, symbolizing the farewell to winter.

On March 1st at 12:00, before the Mardi Gras celebration, the Šventoji Main School will host a Mardi Gras mask workshop! Be sure to register by email, as the spots are limited.

Radviliškis District – Kleboniškiai Village Ethnographic Museum

On March 2nd, at 14:00, the Kleboniškiai Village Folk Museum will host a fun and lively Mardi Gras celebration, inviting everyone to chase away winter with songs, dances, and hearty dishes.

During the celebration, the museum’s courtyard will be filled with colorful costumed characters – from devils and witches to bears, goats, and storks. They will not only entertain guests with their pranks but also predict the future, tell tall tales without blinking, and invite everyone to join in traditional games. Music will play, dancers will whirl, and the tempting aromas of delicious food will draw visitors to taste hearty Mardi Gras dishes.

The festival’s atmosphere will be set by performances from the band “Nešpėtni bernai” and folk ensembles “Melnyčia,” “Siaudela,” “Pulkelis,” the traditional music band “Užuovėja,” and dance groups “Šelmės” and “Verpetukės.” Both young and old will enjoy not only dancing, singing, games, and pancakes but also many other attractions – there’ll be so much happening you’ll barely keep up!

All festival-goers are invited to join in wearing traditional Mardi Gras masks and celebrate alongside the costumed revelers. As every year, the most beautiful masks will be awarded, the epic battle between Lašininis and Kanapinis will take place, and finally, Morė will be set aflame.

Širvintos

On March 4th, Širvintos will host the traditional Mardi Gras celebration along with the highly anticipated Kaziuko fair! From 12:00 PM to 7:30 PM, a market will be open featuring folk artists, craftsmen, and farmers offering their creations and products. The Mardi Gras celebration will begin at 6:00 PM.

From February 25th to March 4th, Širvintos will showcase an exhibition of Mardi Gras masks – various creators, communities, and organizations will present their works reflecting the traditions of the celebration.

The festival will also include cultural events organized by the Širvintos District Municipality Culture Center, featuring concerts, educational activities, and exhibitions.

Kernavė

Kernavė often hosts various fun community celebrations, so Mardi Gras will definitely not be missed here! On March 2nd, at 2:30 PM, a true bustle of songs, dances, and merriment will begin in Kernavė. Get ready to stomp loudly – to chase away winter, have fun, and celebrate the arrival of spring!

Kuršėnai

On March 4th, at 11:00, the Mardi Gras celebration will take place at the Kuršėnai Culture Center amphitheater. Expect fun dances, cheerful competitions, games, delicious pancakes, and, of course, the battle between Lašininis and Kanapinis. Be sure to prepare your Mardi Gras masks, as there will be a contest for the best one.

Plateliai

On March 4th, the Mardi Gras celebration will take place in Plateliai. The event will begin at 10:00 with the opening of the Mardi Gras mask exhibition in the manor barn and stable. At 16:30, everyone will gather at Plateliai Square, where the traditional celebration activities will begin. Costumed characters such as devils, goats, and other figures will animate the event, while participants will enjoy the music, dances, and songs performed by the folklore ensemble. Everyone wearing masks is invited to join the parade. The highlight of the celebration will be the traditional burning of Morė, symbolizing the end of winter.

Naisiai

On March 2nd, a fun and colorful Mardi Gras celebration will take place in the village of Naisiai. The pancake cooking competition will start at 1:00 PM at the Naisiai village stadium. Here the best pancake-making teams will be selected and awarded for their creativity and the tastiest pancakes. After the competition, at 3:30 PM, the ceremonial battle between Kanapinis and Lašininis will begin. This will be followed by the traditional burning of Morė, symbolizing the end of winter.

From 12:30 PM, workshops on creating Mardi Gras masks and various activities for children will be held at the Naisiai sports hall, while the Žemaitukų horse farm will invite guests to enjoy fun games. Attendees will also be able to savor a delicious stew prepared by the “Baltas gandras” restaurant.

At 1:30 PM, the Naisiai Summer Theater and Community Culture House will host a children’s play “Orange Planet,” based on the book “Seneliūkštis” by V. Žilinskaitė.

At the celebration, participants will be able to enjoy performances by the folk music ensemble “Radvija” and the band “Vartai,” taste the best pancake treats, visit the fair, and play traditional folk games. The entire family is invited to this celebration, which will truly feel like a spring festivity!

Šalčininkai

On March 1st at 4:00 PM, the Mardi Gras celebration will take place at the Šalčininkai Cultural Center, featuring energetic music from the Polish folk ensemble “Kapela Vilenska” and the band “Kitava.” The event will include not only lively dances but also traditional Mardigras customs. Be sure to bring your masks!

The cultural center’s grounds will host a market from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

This article “Mardi Gras with children 2025” is author’s work and was prepared by “Travel 4 kids ®”. Copying and use without permission is strictly prohibited.

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