A symphony of light and joy on the birthday of the city of Šiauliai

"Seven hundred and eighty-eight years is a number that speaks of a long and rich history, of a city that only grows stronger and more beautiful over time. Šiauliai, the cradle of bright and creative people, once again invited its residents and guests to the city's big celebration", Deimantė Bačiulė, director of the Šiauliai Cultural Center, is happy with the echoes of the celebration.

The beginning of the birthday of the city of Šiauliai is traditionally marked with a solemn ceremony. The 47th honorary citizen of the city of Šiauliai was inaugurated in the "Saulė" concert hall. This year, regalia were awarded to lawyer, member of the Lithuanian Journalists' Union, publicist, author of historical, cultural and art books, cultural historian, local historian, photographer, traveler Jonas Nekrašiis. The Golden Shooter token of appreciation was also presented at the gala evening - this year it went to Dariis Daknis for his sincere dedication to his work and the well-deserved recognition of the people of Šiauliai.

September 6 the main streets of the city of Šiauliai were colored by a procession of record size and a motorized column parade. Over 5,500 smiling and joyfully chanting pedestrians marched through the streets of the city, followed by a procession of 196 vehicles representing 29 establishments. The large number of participants created a unique spectacle that will remain in the hearts of Šiauliai residents and city guests for a long time.

On Friday evening, the harmonious harmony of a thousand voices spread on the stage of the central park of the city of Šiauliai - at the opening event of the festival "Singing Šiauliai", the performance of the choirs of the educational institutions of the city of Šiauliai and all the people of Šiauliai together with the opera soloist Viktorija Miškūnaite did not leave anyone indifferent. The songs "Lithuania" (music and lyrics by Kipro Mašanauskas, arrangement by Leonid Abaris), "Our days as a celebration" (music by Vytautas Kernagis, lyrics by Vytautas Kernagis, Salomeja Nėries, Juoz Erlicka, arrangement by Danguolė Beinarytė, Jievars Jasinskis and Artūras Anusauskas) were played on the stage and "My house" (music and lyrics by Eglė Sirvydytė, arrangement by Danguolė Beinarytė). Organized for the third year, the event not only created an enchanting atmosphere, but also contributed to fostering community, unity and traditions.

After the opening, the concert program "Towers of Panemunė" by Viktorijas Miškūnaitė, Jurgis Jarašius, Artūrs Anusauskas and the rhythm group was waiting on the stage, and the evening was crowned by the concert of the group from Ukraine "Go_A". The group, which interprets Ukrainian folklore in a modern way, gave the audience good emotions and well-known works.

On September 6-7, curious people were attracted to Zubovų Park, where the wonders of "Magiško Park" beckoned. The artistic vision project presented the synthesis of lights and technologies, 3D projections, which were implemented by creators from Lithuania "Interact media". This year, Zubov park has become a place where nature and the history of the Baltics merge. Every step along the paths of the park turned into a journey to another world for the visitors. The Zubov palace, decorated with colorful visualizations, became the culmination of this trip.

September 7 the evening on the stage of the central park of Šiauliai city was started by the author of music and lyrics, singer Kazimieras Likša, who presented an enchanting concert program. Immediately after, the performance of the authentic performer Evgenia Redko became refreshing for the mind, soul and body. Recently, the artist shaking the country's music scene has not left the inhabitants and guests of Šiauliai city indifferent. A musical performance was also performed by the alternative rock band "ba.", which this year at M.A.M.A. at the music awards, they were recognized not only as the best in "rock" music, but also became the best Lithuanian group.

Saturday's festive concert was crowned by the largest laser show in the city's history, which was donated by the general sponsor of Šiauliai Dienos 788, Gubernijas Factory. According to the creators, more than 40 devices in the stage spaces formed various figures and dynamic images from the flow of light, and the main focus became the glowing symbolism of the city of Šiauliai. The rhythm was dictated by the well-known works of world famous artists playing in the background.

During the birthday of the city of Šiauliai, there was no shortage of traditional events. At the annual amateur art festival "Rudens mozaika", residents of Šiauliai and city guests could admire amateur art performances of various genres. From soloists to dance groups, everyone shared their talent, creating a unique cultural atmosphere.

Resurrection Square became the home of professional music throughout the holiday weekend. Šiauliai city concert institution "Saulė" gave impressive concerts to Šiauliai residents and city guests: "Rock music hits with big band music sounds" on Friday, and "Golden songs of Danielius Dolskis" on Saturday. Special attention was paid to the ambitious musical project "Ludwig van Beethoven's Symphony No. 5 in C minor", which can hopefully grow into a beautiful tradition uniting lovers of classical music. The organizer Šiauliai City Municipality and the organizer Šiauliai Cultural Center hope that where Vytis stands out, the magnificent Šiauliai St. the Cathedral of the Apostles Peter and Paul, the echoes of professional music that sounded in the very heart of the city will remain in the hearts of the festival participants for a long time.

During the festive weekend, the little people from Šiauliai had the opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of knowledge and entertainment. The "service town" became a real adventure park, where children could learn about police work, learn traffic safety rules, try on a firefighter's uniform and even see real military equipment.

Right here on the Resurrection Square, residents and guests of Šiauliai were waiting for entertainment with RV Transport, the patron of Šiaulių dini 788. Everyone had the opportunity to try the car track, take a photo and say hello to the friendly robot transformer "Kamane". Donuts were served throughout the event. There was also a children's and youth space on the square, where there was no shortage of performances and concerts by young performers.

There were more events throughout the holiday weekend. On this year's city's birthday, guests were treated to a festive event organized by the Šiauliai Cultural Center, which has become a tradition. For the third year in a row, the Šiauliai Tourism Information Center invited them to visit "Šiauliai Tourism Street 2024". There were also numerous chamber concerts, exhibitions, excursions, performances, quizzes, conferences, professionally performed music and other events.

Many beautiful moments were recorded during the celebration, so we invite you to look for yourself and your friends in the Facebook group "Photos of Šiauliai Days". The moments were captured by the volunteers of the "Fotografijas namai" association. The organizers also thank the interpreters of the Šiauliai Regional Department of Lithuanian Sign Language Assessment, who gave everyone the opportunity to enjoy the big festive concerts on stage. This year, more volunteers were used to help with various organizational tasks, for which Šiauliai Culture Center sincerely thanks.

The organizer of the festival Šiauliai Cultural Center and the organizer Šiauliai City Municipality would like to thank the patron of Šiauliai Days 788 UAB "Nostrada", the general sponsor AB "MV Group Production" Gubernijas Gyakry, major sponsors: UAB "Šiaulių energija", UAB "Bodesa", UAB "SPLIUS" ", UAB "Vilmers", UAB "Baltik vairas", UAB "Mano būstas", for sponsors: UAB "Aukstata", UAB "LTintus", UAB Maxima LT, UAB "Transalda", UAB "Apsaga", UAB "Rūta", UAB "AR10", UAB "Šiaulių vandenys", UAB "Giftika", to friends: AB "Šiaulių bankas", UAB "RD Signs", UAB "Kensa", UAB "Vonin Lithuania", UAB "Toksika", UAB "Allianz Lietuva" life insurance", UAB "Diab", UAB "Nirlita", UAB "Plungės lagūna", UAB "Limega", UAB "Valumina", UAB "Elitus", UAB "Ronelda", UAB sagos tarnybai "Argus", AB "Šiaulių rentvejs", UAB "Longo LT", gastrobar "Dramaturgas", main information sponsor Lithuanian National Radio and Television and information sponsors: media group "Etaplius", Lithuanian regional news portal "Miestos nauzienos", daily newspaper "Šiaulių kraštas", regional radio " Solar Radio", UAB "LTAdvert".

The information is provided by Edita Smindriūnaitė, Deputy Head of the Event Organization Department of the Šiauliai Culture Center, mobile. +370 656 13 886, e-mail edita.smindriunaite@siauliukc.lt. 

Photo of Roland Parafinavičius, Žaneta Bytautienė, Gintarė Daknytė, Justin Latvėnas, Lina Kodiakina, Robert Ponelis, Laimon Simaitis, Ligita Kurskė, Renata Baronienė, Violeta Ramanauskienė, Laima Beržinytė-Gulbinienė.