On Tuesday, Lithuania celebrated its ancient festival Užgavėnės, which marks the end of winter and welcoming of spring.
As every year, a crowd of dressed-up people gathered for a procession from Odminų Square to the White Bridge. Here, the traditional wrestling match between Lašininis, embodying winter, and Kanapinis, symbolising spring, took place. Morė – the effigy of winter – was also burnt.
According to tradition, Užgavėnės is celebrated in Lithuania seven weeks before Easter. Although the origins of the celebration are pagan, the day is closely linked to Christianity.
On Užgavėnės, a last large and fatty meal – traditionally pancakes – is allowed, and on the following day, Lent begins leading up to Easter.
LRT English
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