The Christmas period in Šiauliai was crowned by the theatrical procession of the Three Kings

In 2024 on Saturday, January 6, residents of Šiauliai and guests of the city solemnly said goodbye to the big holidays of the year and resolutely welcomed new works in the procession of the Three Kings. The three wise men were accompanied through the streets of Šiauliai by a noisy entourage: Morning Star, Taurus, Donkey, Sheep and the new character - the 2.5 m long and 2 m tall Camel. The participants of the procession congratulated every passer-by and bystander on the birth of the baby Jesus Christ, and the "Bell of Love" awakened from its long winter sleep, rang loudly, filling the heart of every resident with love and kindness.
The organizer - Šiauliai Cultural Center.

Šiauliai celebrates Three Kings Day every year with special charm and joy. It is a religious holiday about the three wise men - Kaspar, Merkel and Balthazar, who followed the guiding star to Bethlehem to honor the newborn Jesus Christ.

On the afternoon of January 6th, the Three Kings, carrying symbolic gifts to Jesus Christ, led by the Bull, the Sheep and the Assylius, began a solemn procession. Christian legend says that the Three Kings traveled to the baby Jesus Christ on camels, so a 2.5 m long and 2 m high Camel joined the grand procession this year.

The noisy participants of the procession with the rhythm group "Ritmas aka" started their journey on Kaštonų Alley, then marched along the pedestrian boulevard of Vilniaus Street, where they reached the sculpture "Bell of Love" by Darius Augulis. The noble and majestic sound of the bell, which touched the heart of every resident, spread through the streets of the city of Šiauliai.

Accompanied by the bright Morning Star, the Three Kings continued their entourage along Tilžės Street, where they finally reached the final point of their route - the square near Šiauliai City Municipality. Here, settled in the prequel, the three wise men awarded and honored the baby Jesus Christ with gold, frankincense and myrrh.

St. Egidijus Venckus, pastor of the Cathedral of the Apostles Peter and Paul. During the celebration, chalk was also traditionally consecrated, which was later given to all residents of the city of Šiauliai who wanted it. Back then, it was believed that if you write the first letters of the names of the Three Kings "+K+M+B" over the door of your house in consecrated chalk on January 6, the house will be protected from evil spirits for the whole year. Therefore, pastor E. Venckus, together with the Three Kings, wished everyone the blessing of the home, tolerance, fellowship and benevolence.

The information is provided by Ugnė Skačkauskienė, organizer of cultural events of the Šiauliai Cultural Center, mobile. +370 655 25 521, e-mail ugne.skackauskiene@siauliukc.lt.

Photo by Rolandas Parafinavičius.