Šiauliai begins 790th birthday celebrations

Šiauliai will begin its traditional city festival on Thursday as it celebrates its 790th anniversary, LRT reports. This year’s programme, titled “The Power of the Sun. The Princely Hat,” highlights the city’s historical development and cultural heritage, organisers said.

“For 790 years, Šiauliai has shone through its people, ideas and work. Many generations have shaped the city’s history, and today we are all continuing it,” Mayor Artūras Visockas said. “That is why the city’s birthday is not only a celebration, but also a thank-you to those who created, are creating and promoting Šiauliai.”

The festival will open with a ceremony inducting an honorary citizen. On Thursday evening, the artistic event “Geometry of Light” will be staged in Sun Clock Square.

One of the main highlights, the “Šiauliai Shines” procession and motorised column, will take place on Friday. It will be followed by the “Singing Šiauliai” concert at the park stage.

Saturday’s programme includes a presentation of the Services Town near Šiauliai State College, activities for families in Zubov Park and major concerts at the central park stage. A fireworks, laser and light show is planned at midnight by Talkša Lake.

“We wanted the city’s birthday to be lively, spread across different spaces and engaging for communities, families, young people and people interested in various activities,” said Deimantė Bačiulė, director of the Šiauliai Culture Centre.

On Sunday, Resurrection Square will host the “Yellow Late Breakfast” for the first time, providing an opportunity for the community to gather.

A festive market will operate throughout the weekend on the Vilnius Street boulevard. The programme also includes Turizmo Street and the amateur arts festival “Autumn Mosaic”.

Šiauliai’s founding date is considered to be 1236, when the Battle of the Sun was mentioned in the Livonian Chronicle.