Founded in 1992, the Vilnius Ethnic Culture Centre works to preserve, nurture and share Lithuania’s traditional culture and make it relevant and accessible today.
The Centre focuses on three main areas: ethnic culture education, publishing and traditional calendar celebrations and other cultural events in Vilnius. Through its activities, it introduces city residents and visitors to Lithuanian customs, folklore, traditional crafts, music and seasonal traditions, while creating opportunities to experience them together. The Centre offers a variety of hands-on workshops of traditional crafts, as well as lectures and meetings exploring Lithuanian customs, traditions and other aspects of ethnic culture.
The Centre organises major traditional celebrations in Vilnius, including Užgavėnės, the Spring and Autumn Equinoxes, as well as the international folklore festival „Skamba skamba kankliai“. These events bring together thousands of participants and audiences each year, connecting Lithuania’s cultural heritage with contemporary city life.
An important part of the Centre’s work is ensuring that traditional culture remains living, meaningful and relevant today. It supports the activities of folklore ensembles, researches and presents Lithuanian ethnic culture in Lithuania and abroad, shares knowledge through articles and media.
Through its work, the Vilnius Ethnic Culture Centre seeks to strengthen cultural identity, encourage interest in traditions and ensure that cultural knowledge and practices are passed on to future generations.
