Shrovetide in Žibininkai: two weeks of fun and a giant pancake record
Shrovetide is reclaiming its title as the most important celebration of spring’s arrival, which is why the festivities in the village of Žibininkai will last for two whole weeks. The extended merrymaking will culminate in a record-breaking pancake—a yeast creation promised to reach 120 cm in diameter.
UŽGAVĖNĖS'25
Shrovetide has been celebrated since ancient times, always falling seven weeks before Easter. But those who cherish old Lithuanian traditions believe that we give far too little attention to this festival. This year, they urge people to dedicate not just a single day, but a full two weeks to driving out winter.
“We take inspiration from Halloween, which around the world is no longer celebrated on a single day, but for weeks. Themed films are released, horror parks open, and cities are decorated with countless symbols. Shrovetide is still far from reaching that level of popularity, but we have to start somewhere. Perhaps the first step could be the newly born tradition of Pancake Day Park?” says the park’s initiator and co-owner of the HBH entertainment complex, Laura Matulevičiūtė.
The park, created in the Žibininkai forest by artists from Vilnius and the seaside, is not meant to frighten, but to educate, to remind or introduce people to traditions. Within a zone resembling a world of its own, installations framed with light effects introduce visitors to Lašininis and Kanapinis, Morė arriving from frozen waters, festive tables, and masqueraders.
“Most people have forgotten the meaning of the festival. Winter was never seen as an evil, hostile aunt or a ragged scarecrow. Our ancestors looked at every season with respect. Shrovetide was always a theatrical, symbolic, and respectful farewell to the cold season. That is what we want to remind people of and reintroduce them to this beautiful tradition,” explains Matulevičiūtė.
On the official day of the festival, the park of lights and mythical creatures will host the grand Shrovetide celebration. Alongside masqueraders’ antics, traditional games, folk band music, the battle between Lašininis and Kanapinis, and the burning of Morė, a record-breaking pancake will be baked. A special pan has been prepared to hold a yeast pancake with a diameter of 120 cm, which will later be shared with socially vulnerable families.
“Preparing for the record has been a real challenge. To figure out the best way to flip such a pancake, we had to test several different pan prototypes. Now we are ready and confident it will succeed,” says Onutė Jockuvienė, who has been the head of the HBH kitchen for 25 years.
