DistantNews
Support us
The capital hasn't seen such an atmosphere in a long time: crowds of people and plenty of activities by the White Bridge
๐Ÿ‡ฑ๐Ÿ‡น Lithuania /Energy & Infrastructure

The capital hasn't seen such an atmosphere in a long time: crowds of people and plenty of activities by the White Bridge

From Delfi · () Lithuanian

Translated from Lithuanian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement New plan
  • Vilnius is hosting its fourth annual Pink Soup Fest, a celebration of the cold beet soup, attracting thousands of attendees.
  • The festival has moved to a new location near the White Bridge, featuring a giant pink ice slide, food stalls, concerts, and family activities.
  • Events include a pink soup parade, a waiters' race, a soup-eating contest, and a costume competition, with a pink hike and international tasting on Sunday.

Vilnius has transformed into a vibrant pink hub with the return of the annual Pink Soup Fest, now in its fourth year. The festival, dedicated to the beloved cold beet soup, has drawn massive crowds, with organizers reporting over 93,000 participants last year. This year's event has relocated to a new, expansive space near the White Bridge, promising a weekend packed with diverse activities.

The festival grounds have become the city's most active spot, featuring a dedicated food zone, family-friendly entertainment, concerts, and interactive experiences. The entire area is set to become a temporary pink town for three days, offering a mix of adrenaline-fueled attractions and creative initiatives. A major highlight is the giant pink ice slide, extending from the White Bridge for the first time, designed for thrill-seekers and photo enthusiasts alike.

Beyond the ice slide, the festival caters to all ages with a children's cold soup pool and inflatable attractions. A unique "cucumber challenge" invites participants to ride a mechanical cucumber, testing their balance for the chance to be crowned a "cold soup hero." The main festival area will host a variety of events throughout the weekend, including a pink soup parade, a waiters' race, and a "IKI soties" (full stomach) cold soup eating contest.

Saturday will also feature a best cold soup costume competition, encouraging attendees to showcase their most creative pink-themed outfits. Sunday's schedule includes the "IKI" pink hike, an international cold soup tasting session, and closing ceremonies. Visitors can sample unusual interpretations of the Lithuanian soup from residents of various nationalities. The festival aims to be more than just a culinary event; it seeks to create a summer city experience where cold soup becomes a cultural symbol connecting generations and visitors from Lithuania and abroad.

DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Delfi in Lithuanian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.