Saint Casimir's Fair (Kaziukas Fair)

The Traditional Spring Market That Heralds Vilnius’ Awakening

2024/02/29 - 2024/04/02

Every March, the cobbled streets of Vilnius Old Town come alive with color, music, and the aroma of freshly baked bread and woodsmoke during Saint Casimir’s Fair (Kaziukas Fair). For three days, artisans and vendors from all over Lithuania transform the city into a giant open-air market, overflowing with tradition, creativity, and community spirit. Locals, returning Lithuanians, and travelers alike find the Kaziukas Fair to be a spring feast for the senses and the soul.

The fair is held on the first weekend of March each year, centered around Vilnius Cathedral Square and Gediminas Avenue. It’s a perfect opportunity for families, friends, artists, and food lovers to experience the very heart of Lithuanian culture in a welcoming and festive atmosphere.

Main Attractions

Handicraft Market

The heart of the fair is a sprawling market with over 1,000 artisans. Stalls are lined with hand-carved wooden spoons, woven sashes, pottery, jewelry, and straw ornaments. The sound of craftspeople chatting, the clink of ceramics, and the scent of beeswax candles fill the air. It’s the perfect place to find a one-of-a-kind souvenir or watch masters demonstrate their skills.

Key Events

The opening parade features musicians and dancers in folk costumes winding through the city, while live performances fill outdoor stages. Children’s workshops, bread-baking demonstrations, and the colorful “verba” (palm bouquet) contest are highlights. Street performers, puppet shows, and community dances keep the excitement going from morning till night.

Costumes and Decorations

Vendors and performers appear in regional folk costumes: embroidered shirts, woolen skirts, sashes, and felt hats. Stalls are decorated with woven baskets, dried flowers, and ribbons. The feel of handwoven fabric, the sight of verba swaying in the breeze, and lanterns glowing at dusk create a nostalgic and magical atmosphere.

Traditional Food & Drink

Food lovers are in for a treat: smoked sausages, warm rye bread, honey cakes, and sweet pastries dusted with sugar fill the stands. The aroma of roasted nuts, mulled wine, and tangy pickles drifts through the air. The festival favorites—“šakotis” (spit cake), hot kvass (fermented rye drink), and fresh cheese—are best enjoyed at wooden tables, shoulder to shoulder with locals.

Cultural and Historical Background

The history of Saint Casimir’s Fair dates back to the early 17th century. At that time, in the capital of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, Vilnius, religious processions and pilgrimage markets began to honor Saint Casimir (Kazimieras), the country’s patron saint, on his feast day, March 4. Born in 1458, Casimir was a prince who dedicated his life to faith and charity and died young. He was canonized in the 17th century, and the Baroque-style Saint Casimir Chapel was built in Vilnius Cathedral, becoming a spiritual symbol of Lithuania.

In those days, Lithuania, as part of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, was one of Europe’s largest states, known for religious tolerance and multiculturalism. Saint Casimir’s Fair became an important event where urban and rural folk, nobles and townspeople, craftsmen and merchants all gathered to celebrate the arrival of spring, abundance, and community bonds. Despite wars, occupations, and social upheavals, the fair never ceased and grew into the largest folk art market in the Baltics. For Lithuanians, it is a cherished spring tradition that symbolizes resilience, renewal, and the enduring power of tradition and community—a “living cultural heritage” that connects past and future.

Participant Voices

While visiting Vilnius, I stumbled upon the fair, tried my hand at baking šakotis, and even danced in the street with strangers. I’ve never felt so warmly welcomed by a city before.

Fun Facts

Kaziukas Fair attracts over 500,000 visitors each year, making it the largest event of its kind in the Baltics.
The colorful “verba” (palm bouquets) are a unique Lithuanian tradition, blessed in churches on Palm Sunday.
Saint Casimir, the festival’s namesake, is the only Lithuanian saint canonized by the Catholic Church.
Wooden spoons sold at the fair are considered lucky gifts for weddings and housewarmings.