100 people from Šiauliai planted the oak tree of the Song Festival commemorating the centenary

In 2024 April 19 at the stage of the central park of the city of Šiauliai, an oak tree planting ceremony was held to commemorate the centenary of the Lithuanian song festival "Kad giria žaliuotų". The solemn event brought together the community of Šiauliai, and all 100 people contributed to the planting of a tree with a deep symbolic meaning. It is hoped that this oak tree will grow and become stronger together with Lithuania, and its rustling will remind us all of the Lithuanian traditions of song festivals and unity.

The Municipality of Šiauliai and the Culture Center of Šiauliai, responding to the invitation of the Lithuanian National Cultural Center to celebrate the anniversary of the Song Festival in each city, by planting a symbolic oak tree, gathered the lovers of traditions to a solemn event. A large group of members of the city community gathered at the stage of the central park of Šiauliai city, including city leaders, honorary citizens, representatives of culture, schoolchildren and everyone who cherishes the tradition of song festivals. Deimantė Bačiulė, director of the Šiauliai Cultural Center, who started the event, emphasized that this planted oak is not only a symbol of the 100th anniversary of the Song Festival, but also a reminder to everyone who participated that today they have become part of living history.

The boys and youth choir "Dagilėlis", whose artistic director and conductor Remigijus Adomaitis is also on June 1, took part in the historic event. artistic director and chief conductor of the regional song festival "Teka saulelė". During the solemn ceremony of planting an oak tree, the collective presented two works: "Lietuva brangi", which is played at every song festival without exception, and "Where the forest is green".

"The tradition of song festivals had to go through various adversities and difficulties, but I am glad that our tradition of singing and dancing has survived and will remain, I believe, for a very long time. I congratulate everyone on the most beautiful and impressive cultural celebration of this year - the centenary of the Lithuanian Song Festival", said R. Adomaitis.

The mayor of Šiauliai, Artūras Visockas, who was invited to pour the first soil into the hole of the oak tree prepared for planting, congratulated those gathered and emphasized the importance of the oak tree planting ceremony and the long-term influence of the Song Festival on Lithuanian culture. "Obviously, 100 years happens once in a person's life, but this oak tree will live longer, it will outlive us. Everyone who is here now, when they pass by with their offspring, will remember that extraordinary, outstanding feeling when they planted this oak tree", said Šiauliai Mayor A. Visockas.

After the welcome speeches, all those present participated in the symbolic ceremony. 100 people, representing various groups of the Šiauliai city community, each took a symbolic shovelful of earth and planted an oak tree. This special moment became a memorable event not only for those who participated, but also for the entire city of Šiauliai.

The organizers hope that the oak tree will grow and strengthen together with the city of Šiauliai and will remind future generations of this special day when everyone together planted a tree of hope and unity.

Information is provided by the director of the Šiauliai Cultural Center, Deimantė Bačiulė, mobile. +370 671 42 889, e-mail deimante.baciule@siauliukc.lt.

Rolandas Parafinavičius photo.