Do kids need to speak Lithuanian?

Songs and rituals are in Lithuanian, but wreath weaving, the procession, the circle dances and the bonfire need no words.

Can kids make their own wreath?

Yes. A herbalist leads herb gathering in the Pajauta valley, then wreath weaving and herb charms follow on the Castle Hill hillfort.

What happens to the wreaths?

At midnight they are floated down the Neris, and a bonfire is lit by the river with folk ensembles playing.

Is there food on site?

Yes. The midday fair along Kernavė's town avenue has heritage food stalls alongside crafts and folk art.

Joninės (Midsummer) and Statehood Day with Kids 2027, 1 of 3

UpcomingFestival

Rasos Midsummer Festival in Kernavė

When: Dates to be announced
Ages: All ages
Price: Free

Rasos Midsummer Festival in Kernavė photo 2

Rasos Midsummer Festival in Kernavė photo 3

Rasos Midsummer Festival in Kernavė photo 4

FestivalKernavėRoad Trip

Where

Kernavė, Kernavė hillforts and Pajauta valley

Ages

All ages

Setting

Outdoors

Language

Lithuanian

Music

Live folk ensembles

What you need to know

Join in, don't watch: folk ensembles lead the songs, circle dances and games for everyone
Midday crafts fair, with folk art and heritage food before the evening rituals start
Runs until sunrise, with fire jumping and a dawn dew-washing ritual for night owls

About

Rasos is the Lithuanian midsummer festival, and Kernavė has celebrated it with old Baltic customs since 1967. Folk ensembles lead songs, circle dances and games on the Kernavė hillforts, and everyone is invited to take part. Kids can gather herbs with a herbalist, weave wreaths, walk in the procession and watch the great bonfire. Older kids can stay up to float wreaths on the river and greet the sunrise.

Free

Dates to be announced

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