Counting of the days left to the 700th anniversary of Vilnius starts this 25th of January

As one year precisely is left until the capital’s anniversary, the symbolic clock will be set off in Vilnius. It will be calculating the days left until the 700^th anniversary of Vilnius. We are going to celebrate the holiday of the entire country – the 700^th anniversary of the Lithuanian capital next year, however, the capital’s birthday will be decorated in colours this year already. 

The festival’s start will be marked by setting the symbolic clock off

The celebration of the 699^th birthday of Vilnius is going to last for several days. The streets, squares and courtyards of Vilnius Old Town will be illuminated – we are going to have Vilnius Light Festival. Vilnius residents and guests will be astonished by an exclusive show of air balloons, fire, music and lights Vilnius: Young for 700 Years. Legend for three evenings, while the ones who favour adventures will have an opportunity to participate in the orienteering game Vilnius 700 Legend: Warm the Legs Up. All the anniversary events will be free, however, in order to preserve safety, the number of participants may be limited.

The celebration will be started on the 25^th of January by a 4.5-meter-tall light man – a watchmaker who will set the symbolic clock off to count the days remaining until the 700^th anniversary of Vilnius. 

“The anniversary of the Lithuanian capital is a national celebration that enables to remind the world about us once again, to make our country and our city better known to the world, and to increase the number of tourists coming to Lithuania. I want to believe that the pandemic restrictions will not be imposed on the anniversary next year and we will be able to celebrate Vilnius anniversary with more guests from abroad,” – says Vilnius Mayor, Mr. Remigijus Šimašius.  

In the Song Valley of the Mountain Park, balloons will enchant with a dance of fire and light

“The whole programme of birthday celebration was made so as to ensure as high safety as possible – the objects of Vilnius Light Festival will be available for five days, the fire and light show of air balloons will be held for three evenings and it will be broadcasted directly to those who prefer staying at home. The orienteering game will be focused on individual searches for treasures and new routes,” – says Mrs. Inga Romanovskienė, Manager of Go Vilnius agency.

The artistic light installations on buildings and solutions of digital art and lighting design will be available for admiration from the 25^th until 29^th of January.

According to Mr. Paulius Jurgutis, Director of Vilnius Culture Centre, the organizer of Vilnius Light Festival, this festival has joined the Europe’s Leading Light Festivals firmly and soon it is going to present an exclusive artistic programme, unique projects of the artists and works transforming the city’s architecture. The creators from Australia, Canada, Spain, the Netherlands, France and Lithuania are going to work on illuminated greetings for the Lithuanian capital for its birthday.

The impressive show of air balloons, fire, music and lights Vilnius: Young for 700 Years. Legend will take place on three evenings in the Song Valley of the Mountain Park on the occasion of the city’s birthday. The multi-coloured balloons adorning Vilnius skies became a part of Vilnius long ago; however, this year, they are not going to fly but to enchant with a dance of fire and light. The unique show, the partner of which is the Directorate of the State Cultural Reserve of Vilnius Castles, will be held on the 25^th, 26^th and 27^th of January.

Another entertainment will be offered to the ones who like adventures and want to learn more about Vilnius. The special journey – orienteering game Vilnius 700 Legend: Warm the Legs Up will be available throughout the birthday week of Vilnius. The legends and historical facts of the city will be turned into the tasks of the game, hence enabling to find the necessary objects, to answer the questions or to visit the referred Vilnius locations. The experts, guides and historians have created fun itineraries for adults and children. Invitations to the Museum of Illusions will be awarded to as many as 700 of the fastest players in the game.

Flags will be traditionally raised on Vilnius’ birthday, and children will get special attention

All the babies born on Vilnius birthday will traditionally receive a bodysuit with the inscription “Vilnius loves You”. It has been estimated that 30 or more babies may be born on Vilnius birthday.  

The children at kindergartens or primary schools will be also taught about Vilnius birthday. Many educational institutions are going to conduct educational sessions, lessons about Vilnius, and the birthday stickers will be distributed.

The capital’s municipality has a nice tradition – three flags of the city of Vilnius will be raised for the fifth year in a row in the square by the City Hall. Due to safety and health requirements, no event will be held this year; however, the flag-raising will be broadcasted.

More entertainments and surprises are being prepared by the partners to Vilnius residents and guests on the occasion of the birthday. You are welcome to follow the news on website www.700vilnius.lt