Kaziuko mugė (literally Little Casimir‘s Fair) – is an annual lithuanian folk arts and crafts fair dating back to the beginning of the 17^th century, held at main squares and central streets of Vilnius. It attracts tens of thousands of visitors and many craftsmen from all over the country as well as from foreign states such as Latvia, Russia, Poland, Ukraine, Finland ect.

Springtime fair is traditionally held on the Sunday nearest to St. Casimir‘s Day (March 4, the day St. Casimir died). Every year Kaziuko mugė announces the beginning of spring and the end of winter. The fest always occupies the area of Gediminas avenue, Pilies street and the Town Hall Square in Vilnius. It‘s not only big market, but also sounds of folk music, dances, laugh, performances, traditional processions and goods that symbolized this grand event.

People gather here not to buy something practical, but more to find something beautiful and authentic, reflecting national spirit and culture for their home. Incredibly traditions of this fest remained very similar till nowadays. The arts and crafts at the fair include hand-made goods from local craftsmen, such as knitted clothes, footwear, toys, wooden utensils, metal crafts, souvenirs, and paintings. Foodstuffs like rye bread, honey cookies, meat and dairy products, natural honey, beer, and gira are sold as well.

"Palm" bouquets (called "verbos") are one of the fair's specialties. Made of colourful dried flowers  and herbs, they are taken to churches on Palm Sunday. "Palms" resembles a lily, a flower which St. Casimir is traditionally associated with.

Do not miss a chance to attend this amazing 3 days lasting fest in Vilnius!

This year Kaziuko mugė is held on 2-4 March in main streets of Vilnius (Cathedral square, Gediminas avenue, Lukiskiu square, main streets of Old Town).