Šiauliai Days 2020 – mandatory face masks and event registration

The fourth largest city in Lithuania celebrates its 784th birthday responsibly amid the corona pandemic

Šiauliai will mark its 784^th birthday on 11–12 September. Under the slogan # Šiauliai, the traditional two-day festival will unfold in various spaces of the Lithuanian city - Prisikėlimo Aikštėje Square, Dainų Park, city boulevard, Saulės Laikrodžio Square, Prūdelis, etc.

Safety a paramount concern

In spite of the coronavirus pandemic casting its shadow, this year’s celebration will be full not only of music, but also of spectacular light, fire and water shows. Spreading the events around the city will not only diversify the festival programme, but also encourage Šiauliai residents to celebrate responsibly, avoiding congregation at one place. To ensure the safety of performers and spectators, it will be possible to visit the event areas only with protective face masks, and registration for major events will be mandatory. Organizers warn that any breach of the rules may lead to the termination of the performance.

"Let us not allow these changes to spoil our festive mood. Let’s take care of the safeguards and travel to the city to celebrate our birthday. And if you don't have them, you can buy an original protective mask and cleansing hand gel with the image of this holiday, together with other attributes - T-shirts and sweaters, at Šiauliai Culture Centre. You will also be able to buy paraphernalia at the festival market,” says Šiauliai Days coordinator Edita Smindriūnaitė, quoted by the city website.

At one of the new festival venues - Dainų Park - the original project "Magic Park" will be presented for the first time at both evenings. An eye-catching display of lasers, lights and unique handmade UV decorations will serve as a backdrop to performances by electronic and alternative musicians.  

At another new location, near Prūdelis, the audience will be treated to a sound and light show of dancing and playing fountains. On the city boulevard, from morning to evening, the much-anticipated festival market and the amateur art festival "Autumn Mosaic" will be buzzing for two days.

Fiery climax

In the evenings, the main festival concerts "# Šiauliaišviečia" will take place in Prisikėlimo Aikštėje Square, featuring rising Šiauliai musicians. In another location - Saulės Laikrodžio Square - jazz fans will be entertained on both days by the performers of the international “Big Band Festival Šiauliai 2020”. The fireworks display on Friday will serve as the festival culmination.