Vilnius Craftsmen in Kaziukas Fair 2016

Kaziukas (Saint Casimir’s) Fair took place in Vilnius Historic Centre – UNESCO world heritage site on 4 – 6th of March, 2016.  It is a large annual folk arts and crafts fair, dating to the beginning of the 17th century.

Vilnius Old Town Renewal Agency coordinates the Programme of “Fine Arts and Ethnographical Trades and Fairs”. Craftsmen who are participants of the Programme were main actors of the Fair. They took part in the Opening Ceremony on Friday, March 4th, at 15.00 in the Cathedral Square. The theatrical carnival procession of craftsmen took place on Saturday, March 5th, from 13.00 to 14.00. The procession started at the Lukiskiu Square and continued via Gedimino, Pilies, Didzioji avenues to the Tawn Hall Square. The Baltic Amber Art Center  demonstrated the Amber Fire rituals during the opening and during the procession. Full programme.

Ceramics, cutting paper and leather artists who have Certificates of National Heritage were located in the Cathedral Square. The other group of traditional Vilnius craftsmen (textile, goldsmithery, blacksmithery, weaving of traditional Easter palms) were located in the Tawn Hall Square.
Participation of Vilnius craftsmen in Kaziukas Fair gave the added value to the fair and demonstrated the revitalisation of intangible heritage of Vilnius Old Town.