Morė's Journey
Villagers gather to escort the straw effigy on a procession; participants often travel with Morė before cheerfully abandoning winter.
~14:00
Shrovetide Carnival (Šventoji)
Užgavėnės Šventojoje
Sventoji, Lithuania
Feb 15, 2026ConfirmedSource
On the seacoast at Šventoji, Užgavėnės brings the Lithuanian Shrovetide to life with grotesque masks, pancake feasts, and folk rituals just before Lent. The pre-Lenten festival carries old pagan meanings of fertility, driving away winter and welcoming spring by the sea.
Key moments
Pancake Contest
Groups show off the largest or most unusual pancakes. Audience watches and shares pancakes. An engaging and tasty competition.
~14:30
Lašininis vs Kanapinis Fight
Masked villagers cheer on the rival opponents, culminating in victory of spring. It's lively folk theatre with participants rooting for sides.
~15:00
Where it happens
Šventosios pėsčiųjų aikštė
Sventoji, Lithuania
Open in MapsHow to show up well
Dress for the setting
Bring warm clothing
Prepare before you go
Optional: bring traditional mask or pancake
Respect local boundaries
This is a folk community event. Visitors should dress warmly and respectfully as participan...
Practical notes
Crowds & timing
Crowd level: moderate.
Tickets
Free events are available.
Reviewed mediaLOCAL COMMUNITY & FOLK LIFE
Shrovetide Carnival (Šventoji)
Užgavėnės Šventojoje
Sventoji, Lithuania
On the seacoast at Šventoji, Užgavėnės brings the Lithuanian Shrovetide to life with grotesque masks, pancake feasts, and folk rituals just before Lent. The pre-Lenten festival carries old pagan meanings of fertility, driving away winter and welcoming spring by the sea.
Under the radarStill under the radar
Feb 15, 2026Confirmed dates
Verified this year
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The story behind it
Užgavėnės is a pre-Lenten festival in Lithuanian folklore, with pagan origins symbolizing fertility, renewal, and the end of winter. The Šventoji event adapts these traditions to a seaside village, incorporating masks (kaukes), songs, and communal feasting. While the rituals recall ancient slavic and baltic winter rites, the modern celebration also marks Lithuanian cultural heritage and Christian liturgical calendar (seven we...
Key moments to know
~14:00Expected
Morė's Journey
Villagers gather to escort the straw effigy on a procession; participants often travel with Morė before cheerfully abandoning winter.
~14:30Expected
Pancake Contest
Groups show off the largest or most unusual pancakes. Audience watches and shares pancakes. An engaging and tasty competition.
~15:00Expected
Lašininis vs Kanapinis Fight
Masked villagers cheer on the rival opponents, culminating in victory of spring. It's lively folk theatre with participants rooting for sides.
~15:30Expected
Burning of Morė
Everyone gathers to watch the bonfire. The effigy is set aflame amidst cheers, and spectators often throw written worries into fire to purge bad luck.
How to show up well
first-timer tips
Dress for the setting
Bring warm clothing
Prepare before you go
Optional: bring traditional mask or pancake
Respect local boundaries
This is a folk community event. Visitors should dress warmly and respectfully as participants. Feel free to joi...
Essentials at a glance
Date window
Feb 15, 2026
Confirmed
City / Area
Sventoji
Žemaitija (Samogitia)
Cost
Free public events available
Good for
Families welcome
Very High visitor welcome
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