The Klaipėda Sea Festival, first organised 90 years ago, is kicking off in the Lithuanian port city on Friday, featuring numerous maritime highlights and dedications, according to the organisers.
The festival’s opening event at the Cruise Ship Terminal on Friday evening will showcase the 13th parade of traditional and historical ships, known as the Dangė Flotilla.
The municipality says the parade represents maritime culture and traditions, offering insights into historical vessels.
Friday’s programme also features the sea festival’s procession from Janonio Street to the Cruise Ship Terminal.
Saturday’s programme includes individual tours of the Dangė Flotilla ships, presentations of the ship crews, and the night sailing of the ships between the Biržos and Pilies bridges. The ships will depart on Sunday morning.
On Sunday, a Mass will be celebrated at the St. Mary Queen of Peace Church for those who perished in the Baltic Sea and for the entire maritime community.
According to the municipality, the first Sea Festival in 1934 attracted over 60,000 people from across Lithuania to Klaipėda. The organisers wanted to encourage Lithuanians to get to know the city – which had only become part of Lithuania in 1923 – and embrace it as an integral part of the country.
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