Carnival in Lithuania (Užgavėnės)

Day: Carnival in Lithuania, known as Užgavėnės, is a pre-Lenten festival celebrated in February or March, seven weeks before Easter Sunday. The exact date varies each year depending on the Christian calendar.

History and Traditions: Užgavėnės has pagan origins and is rooted in Lithuanian folklore. It symbolizes the end of winter and the ushering in of spring. One of its central themes is the battle between Lašininis (Porky), representing winter, and Kanapinis (Hemp Man), symbolizing spring. The day ends with the symbolic victory of Kanapinis, heralding the forthcoming warmth.

Traditional activities include:

• Mask-wearing: People dress up in costumes, often embodying characters from folklore such as witches, goats, and bears.
• Pancake eating: Pancakes are consumed in abundance to symbolize the sun and to use up fatty foods before Lent.
• Sledding and snow games: Winter activities are enjoyed for one last time before spring sets in.
• Morė burning: A large straw effigy of winter is set on fire to bid farewell to cold days.
• Dancing and music: Traditional folk music and dances are an essential part of the celebration.

The festival incorporates various rituals that are believed to ensure a good harvest, health, and happiness for the upcoming year. It is a day filled with joyous festivities that combine ancient customs with modern celebrations.