A Symphony in the Pines: Over 3,000 Performers to Gather for the Šiauliai Regional Song and Dance Festival
The Daugėliai pine forest in Kuršėnai is preparing to host a spectacle of sound, movement, and heritage that resonates far beyond the borders of the Šiauliai region. Scheduled for May 22–23, 2026, the regional Song and Dance Festival, titled “Medžių kalba kalba” (The Language of Trees), promises to be a landmark event in the Lithuanian cultural calendar. This gathering is not merely a concert; it is a profound expression of community identity, bringing together thousands of voices and dancers to celebrate a tradition that has defined the Baltic spirit for over a century.
Event Details: A Gathering of Thousands
The scale of the upcoming festival is truly impressive. Organised by the Šiauliai District Municipality and its Cultural Centre, in partnership with the Lithuanian National Cultural Centre, the event will transform the natural amphitheatre of the Daugėliai pine forest into a living stage.
Key highlights of the event include:
* Dates: May 22–23, 2026.
* Location: Daugėliai Pine Forest, Kuršėnai, Šiauliai District.
* Participants: More than 3,000 performers, including folk and contemporary dancers, singers, brass bands, and theatre troupes.
* Regional Representation: Performers will travel from across the country, representing Šiauliai, Pakruojis, Pasvalys, Radviliškis, Kelmė, Akmenė, Plungė, Panevėžys, Telšiai, Joniškis, and the Klaipėda region.
* Special Guests: The programme will be bolstered by the Kaunas Brass Orchestra “Ąžuolynas,” the Klaipėda Choir “Aukuras,” the renowned “Dagilėlis” boys’ and youth choir from Šiauliai, and the acclaimed soloist Girmantė Vaitkutė.
The festival will be hosted by the familiar voices of Juozas Šalkauskas and Gerda Šulcė, ensuring a professional and engaging atmosphere for the thousands of spectators expected to attend.
Historical Context: Sixty Years of Tradition in Kuršėnai
The choice of Kuršėnai as the host city is steeped in history. For over six decades, the Daugėliai pine forest has served as the traditional home for regional song and dance celebrations. These festivals are a cornerstone of Lithuanian culture, recognised globally for their unique ability to preserve national identity through collective art.
Following the massive nationwide celebrations of the 100th anniversary of the Lithuanian Song Festival in 2024, the Šiauliai region is committed to maintaining this momentum. The festival serves as a bridge between generations, where the values of patriotism, citizenship, and community are passed down from elders to the youth. By integrating traditional folk songs with contemporary dance and modern staging, the event ensures that these “cultural lungs” of the nation continue to breathe and evolve.
What to Expect: The Language of Trees
Under the creative direction of Andrėja Stulginskienė, the 2026 festival will follow a thematic narrative titled “Medžių kalba kalba.” This theme explores the ancient and symbolic relationship between humans and nature, specifically the sacred role of trees in Lithuanian folklore and history.
The artistic vision goes beyond traditional performance. The stage will feature massive, intricate decorations—large-scale puppets—that will be used by performers to bring the story of the forest to life. This fusion of choral music, folk dance, and theatrical puppetry aims to create an immersive experience that speaks to the themes of memory, unity, and the future.
To close the festivities, a specially designed laser projection will illuminate the pine forest, blending modern technology with the timeless beauty of the natural surroundings. This finale is intended to symbolise the enduring power of song and dance to light up the community’s collective spirit. Whether you are a local resident or a visitor seeking to experience the heart of Lithuanian culture, the Šiauliai Regional Song and Dance Festival in Kuršėnai is an event that promises to be both inspirational and unforgettable.
Source: Šiaulių rajono savivaldybė
