Contrary to popular opinion, visiting Vilnius in February can be a great choice. The city is not crowded, tickets are less expensive, and there is a high likelihood that Vilnius will look like a beautiful, white fairytale. In addition, a lot happens in Vilnius, because February is a very significant month in Lithuanian history. For all these reasons, Vilnius is well worth including in your travel list this month.
So if you decided to turn up to the capital of Lithuania in February, keep reading our traditional article. We are ready to help you plan your visit and find great things to do here.
The 8th of February – international “Cepelinas” day
Have you heard about “Cepelinai”- the most famous Lithuanian traditional food? These potato dumplings, stuffed with meat, cottage cheese, or mushrooms got their name because of their resemblance to a dirigible airship constructed in 1900 by Ferdinand Zeppelin. Even though the airship is rarely used today, until 1960s, it served as a vehicle for communications, reconnaissance, mine, and submarine search. So, even if many of us today do not really know what a dirigible, Lithuanians still love “zeppelins”- especially the edible kind! This national dish is so popular that it even has its own day: the first Sunday of February.
International “Cepelinai” day was invented by Lithuanian-American community in 2014 during the Super Bowl. American Football finals take place on each first Sunday of February and are considered to be an unofficial national celebration in the United States. It attracts millions of fans and brings people together for large annual viewing parties. Although American football is not popular in Lithuania, Lithuanian-American community adapted to local habits and became devoted fans of the game.
During the Super Bowl Sunday in 2014, Juozas Vaiciunas, member of the Lithuanian-American community in Detroit, noticed that the ball has a surprisingly similar shape to a cepelinas. He came up with an idea to connect international “Cepelinas“ day with Super Bowl finals and encourage people to cook, taste, and gather to eat it together. Soon a Facebook page, logo, and the special T-shirts dedicated to“Cepelinas day“ were created.
Don’t miss a chance to taste “Cepelinai“ in Vilnius on this occasion.
Good places for traditional Lithuanian food:
- Snekutis – simple, affordable, and atmospheric; feels like a true Lithuanian village tavern.
- Senoji trobele – cozy and more upscale, slightly outside the city center
- Etno dvaras – wide variety of traditional dishes, centrally located
11th of February: Iceland was the first to recognize Lithuania in 1991
On March 11, 1990 Lithuania re-declared independence and was the first from Soviet Union states to do so. After the declaration act was signed, a long road to international recognition began. As the Soviet Union was still powerful, other countries were cautious and did not rush include Lithuania on the world‘s map.
Moldova was the first of all the former Soviet Republics to recognize Lithuania’s freedom on 31 May 1990. Nevertheless, Moldova at that time still belonged to SSRS.
Iceland was the first from outside the Soviet Union to acknowledge the reborn Lithuanian state on 1991 February 11, shortly after the bloody January in Vilnius. Before making this step, Iceland even secured alternative source of oil, in case if Soviet Union embargoed it in retaliation for recognizing Lithuania. “It was an example of courage, respect for freedom, and solidarity of a small nation,” as Lithuanian President (Dalia Grybauskaite) said.
To express the nation‘s gratitude, the street in Vilnius Old Town has been called ‘Iceland Street’ since 1991.
In 2014, the Constitution of the Republic of Užupis was translated into Icelandic and arranged at Paupio street next to the plates in other foreign languages. in 2016, the Mayor of Vilnius unveiled a new plaque at Iceland Street 1, where the street name is written in Icelandic.
Thank you Iceland, we remember! Takk, Ísland!
14th of February: Valentines day in Lithuania
Valentine‘s day is a fairly new concept in Lithuania. It only started to be celebrated after Lithuania regained independence in 1990. That is why part of the older generation is still a bit skeptical about the day of love, emphasizing that it was imported from „The West“ and has no connection to Lithuanian culture. On the other hand, St Valentine’s traditions were quickly adopted among young people. On this occasion, children, usually decorate their faces with heart-shaped stickers, the couples go out for a romantic date and change small gifts such as flowers and sweets.
16th of February: Lithuanian Independence Day
Each year, on the 16th of February just after the day of love, we, Lithuanians, celebrate the national holidays. On this day, in 1918 as the First World War was coming to an end, the Act of the Declaration of Lithuanian independence was signed. After more than 100 years being in the grip of Czarist Russia hands, Lithuania appeared on the maps of Europe again.
Traditionally sixteen symbolic bonfires will be lit in Gediminas avenue from 6 pm. A few historical commemorations in the Lithuanian language will take place in the old courtyards of Vilnius University. The main bridges of the city together with the Three Crosses will shine in the colors of Lithuanian national flag.
17th of February: Shrovetide (Uzgavenes)
Forty-six days before Easter Lithuanians celebrate Shrovetide (lith. Uzgavenes) the last and the funniest winter celebration. The aim of the fiesta is to drive winter away and to welcome the upcoming spring. Shrovetide in Lithuania is not imaginable without masquerades: people dressed as witches, devils, gypsies, beggars, wandering in the cities streets or from house to house asking for sweets or money. As this is the last day before the fasting of Lent, it is essential to fill yourself with hearty food. Obligatory meal is pancakes, other special food can be doughnuts or fat pork.
One of the traditional attractions of the fiesta is the fight between two characters Kanapinis (the Hemp Man symbolizing spring) and Lasininis (the Fatty associated with winter). After the battle, when the thinner wins, the huge witch-like character, symbolizing winter, is burned accompanied by shouts “Winter winter go away“.
If you want to feel this crazy spirit of the merriest festival in Lithuania, you have to visit Rumsiskes, Lithuanian folk museum, that organizes it for more than 30 years. The newspaper “The Guardian” rated it among “10 of Europe’s best alternative carnivals”.
A huge fiesta with folk music bands from all Lithuania, pancake baking and eating competition, masquerades parade, ride in a horse-drawn sleigh will take place on Saturday, 26th of February. The real celebration is on Tuesday, the 1st of March, but as it is a working day, the festival in Rumsiskes will take place on Saturday before Shrovetide.
Last Tips about the Weather
In February, Vilnius still looks like a winter fairy-tale and usually stays all covered with snow. Normally the coldest period passed away, days are slowly getting longer and warmer. Extremely freezing temperatures are less likelihood when in January, but all kind of weather is possible.
You can check the weather forecast here.
If you still need more specific information about the things happening in Vilnius, don’t hesitate to write us at info(eta)vilniusfreetour.lt
- http://www.lietuva.lt/100/en/live-in-lithuania
- https://www.vilnius-events.lt/en/