Remigijus Žiogas Hosts Grand Midsummer Festival in Viekšniai, Blending Tradition and Modern Spectacle

Viekšniai, Lithuania, transformed into a vibrant hub of tradition and modern entertainment as Remigijus Žiogas hosted a grand Midsummer festival, "From Generation to Generation." The event drew thousands, reviving the heart of the Mažeikiai district with a blend of ancient customs, folklore, impressive concerts, and a spectacular laser and fireworks show.

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This festival is very dear to me because I am from Viekšniai. Midsummer used to be celebrated here on a national level because Viekšniai has the St. John the Baptist Church. This tradition dates back to the Smetona era.

Co-organized for the second year by Žiogas, a well-known event host and founder of "Trys Karaliai," alongside the Viekšniai cultural center and Vilmantas Lukauskas, the festival holds deep personal meaning for Žiogas. Viekšniai is his hometown, and he has celebrated Midsummer there since 1996. "This festival is very dear to me because I am from Viekšniai," Žiogas stated. "Midsummer used to be celebrated here on a national level because Viekšniai has the St. John the Baptist Church. This tradition dates back to the Smetona era."

After funding for the celebration was halted three years ago, Žiogas and his team decided to continue the tradition, investing their own funds and relying on community support through ticket purchases. The evening began in the "Valley of Traditions" near the St. John the Baptist chapel, where visitors crossed a suspension bridge. The afternoon offered educational activities, folk games, and a remembrance of old Midsummer customs, creating a cozy atmosphere with performances by the Viekšniai cultural center's folk ensemble "Okata," the stylized band "Buožėnų šelmiai," and guests from the Skuodas district.

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Every year before Midsummer, my team and I visit my mother at home. It has become a tradition to eat my mother's homemade žėlė and sausages with buckwheat.

The evening transitioned to a modern concert program featuring Martynas Kavaliauskas, the band "Patruliai," Viktorija from "Vitražas," and Gediminas Jokubauskas. Special guests included world champions Mindaugas and Irina Sidabrai, who showcased their championship-winning off-road buggy "Izoton," drawing significant attention. The festival concluded with a dazzling laser and fireworks display, which Žiogas described as a highlight, with attendees expressing their gratitude. Žiogas also shared a personal tradition, visiting his mother before the festival for her homemade "želė" and sausages with buckwheat, adding a touch of family warmth to the large-scale event.

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The fireworks and laser show were such that people are still writing and thanking us. This is the greatest recognition for our entire team.