Lithuania in the News
23rd August 2009
International Visitors Flock to Klaipėda during Millennium Celebrations
‘Ambersail’ flag flies proudly next to the berthed Tall Ships.
Photo courtesy Lietuvos Rytas
This (northern) summer has seen Lithuania’s port city Klaipėda revel in a series of spectacular festivals. These festivities were part of Lithuania’s Millennium celebrations and attracted many international visitors. Klaipėda, the third largest city in Lithuania, hosted three major festivals in July 2009. Europeade 2009 was welcomed by Klaipėda July 22-26 and ships from The Tall Ships Races 2009 berthed in Klaipėda July 31 – August 3. Coinciding with this and celebrating its 50th Jubilee, the annual Sea Festival was held July 31 – August 2.
The European folk culture festival Europeade 2009 attracted near 4,000 participants, with 158 folk ensembles from 22 countries taking part. Klaipėda became the 25th European city to host the Europeade. The first Europeade was hosted in Antwerp in 1964 and this year it was celebrated for the 46th time. Europeade aims to preserve the traditions and heritage of
Streets full of people for the Sea Festival.
Photo courtesy Lietuvos Rytas
old Europe. During Europeade the participants demonstrate their national dances, songs and crafts, aiming to strengthen the friendship among the nations participating. The Festival’s international organisers were so impressed with Klaipėda and its hosting that they would welcome Klaipėda to host the Europeade again in 2012.
The Tall Ships Races regatta in 2009 took place in Baltic Sea and finished in Klaipėda. It was a spectacular sight to see over 100 tall sailing ships and yachts berthed in Klaipėda. Earlier in the month, Lithuania’s intrepid sailors on the yacht Ambersail, having circumnavigated the globe, reached Klaipėda on July 6, Lithuania’s National Day. The huge 4 metre flag which Ambersail flew in many ports around the world, including Sydney, was presented to Klaipėda and proudly flew among the berthed ships from the Tall Ships Races.

Further information: www.europeade.lt www.lrytas.lt 22 & 26/07/09, 01/08/09