Children Dance in Downpour During Lithuanian Ceremony, Sparking Public Outrage

A ceremony in Lithuania's Jurbarkas municipality proceeded despite heavy rain and strong winds, drawing criticism after a video emerged showing children performing a dance while adults, including local officials, stood under umbrellas. The event, part of the Jurbarkas regional festival "Flow of Time's Rivers," included the unveiling of a composition featuring a historical anchor found in the Klaipėda port nearly 15 years ago.

The Jurbarkas Culture Center had announced the cancellation of the festival's evening program due to extremely unfavorable weather conditions. However, the waterfront ceremony continued, with speeches delivered by guests such as the Jurbarkas district mayor and the head of the Klaipėda State Seaport, all while rain poured down. Clergy blessed the anchor composition, and a children's dance troupe performed.

“

It's pathetic. Such a feeling after today's Jurbarkas regional festival day. It's regrettable for another reason. The hurricane-force wind did not prevent the unveiling of the anchor by the Nemunas, but children had to dance, stand in the rain, while important men gave speeches under umbrellas.

The decision to continue the ceremony, particularly with the children performing in the rain, ignited public anger. The local newspaper "Mūsų laikas" published the video and criticized the organizers, stating, "It's pathetic. Such a feeling after today's Jurbarkas regional festival day... It's regrettable for another reason. The hurricane-force wind did not prevent the unveiling of the anchor by the Nemunas, but children had to dance, stand in the rain, while important men gave speeches under umbrellas."

“

When there is hurricane-force wind and pouring rain outside, and children have to stand and dance for a solemn ceremony, while adults give speeches under umbrellas, it's no longer a matter of celebration. It's a matter of common sense and responsibility.

Online commenters echoed this sentiment, with many deeming the situation "disgraceful" and "inhumane." One commenter questioned the authorities' ability to postpone events when necessary, stating, "When there is hurricane-force wind and pouring rain outside, and children have to stand and dance for a solemn ceremony, while adults give speeches under umbrellas, it's no longer a matter of celebration. It's a matter of common sense and responsibility."

It remains unclear who made the final decision to proceed with the ceremony and how the weather conditions and children's safety were assessed. "Delfi" has reached out to the Jurbarkas district municipality for an explanation.

“

I, as a mother, would not have even let my child go out in such weather.