Užgavėnės (the time before Lent)

Lithuania’s Joyful Carnival to Chase Away Winter

2026/02/16

From February to early March, as snow still lingers in Lithuanian towns and villages, Užgavėnės begins—filling street corners and squares with masks, laughter, and the aroma of freshly made pancakes. Held on the last Tuesday before Lent, this ancient festival sees people dressed as devils, witches, animals, and more, all causing a ruckus to drive out winter and welcome spring in Lithuania’s unique carnival. Locals, returning Lithuanians, and travelers alike don masks, dance, eat, and let loose on this special day.

The festival takes place seven weeks before Easter. Parades, bonfires, and pancake feasts fill Vilnius, Kaunas, and villages across the country. Families, food lovers, and anyone eager to experience the cheerful, humorous heart of Lithuanian culture will find Užgavėnės a delight.

Main Attractions

Masked Parade & Morė Effigy Burning

The highlight is the costumed parade. Devils, witches, goats, bears, the Grim Reaper, and satirical characters march through the streets, dancing, joking, and begging for pancakes. The climax is the burning (or sometimes drowning) of Morė, a straw effigy symbolizing winter. Gathered around the bonfire, everyone chants “Žiema, žiema, bėk iš kiemo!” (“Winter, winter, run out of the yard!”) to banish the cold and darkness.

Key Events

The comic battle between the fat “Lašininis” (Winter) and the skinny “Kanapinis” (Spring) is a festival staple—Spring always wins. Folk music, circle dances, children’s games, and pancake-eating contests are hugely popular. In many villages, families also hold feasts at home or school to enjoy a “final meal” before Lent.

Costumes and Decorations

Užgavėnės masks are mostly handmade. Devils, animals, witches, and even satirical takes on politicians and celebrities are crafted from wood, leather, and straw. Homes and squares are decorated with straw, painted banners, and the Morė effigy, creating a one-of-a-kind carnival atmosphere.

Traditional Food & Drink

Pancakes (blynai) are the star—eaten with honey, jam, or sour cream, and always in abundance. Sausages, pork, porridge, and hearty stews—rich, fatty foods—are also popular. The scent of frying, woodsmoke, and hot drinks fills the air, and sharing food with strangers is part of the fun.

Cultural and Historical Background

Užgavėnės has its roots in ancient pagan rituals celebrating the end of winter and the coming of spring. Over time, it merged with Catholic Shrove Tuesday and became Lithuania’s version of Mardi Gras and Carnival. The Morė burning and the battle between Lašininis and Kanapinis symbolize wishes for fertility and renewal. Though the festival was sometimes banned during the Soviet era, it survived as a beloved folk tradition, and today it stands as a symbol of humor, unity, and resilience.

Participant Voices

As a tourist, I stumbled into the festival and was handed a mask and pancakes by strangers. In the end, I danced with witches and cheered for the burning of Morė. I’ve never felt so warmly welcomed.

Fun Facts

Užgavėnės masks are handmade from wood, leather, or straw and are sometimes treasured as family heirlooms.
The burning of the Morė effigy is believed to ward off evil, bad luck, and the lingering cold of winter.
"Žiema, žiema, bėk iš kiemo!" is the iconic chant shouted by children and adults alike.
In pancake-eating contests, hundreds of pancakes can be devoured in a single day.