VILNIUS - If there's one thing Lithuanian folk musicians excel at it's throwing a party. Now in its 32nd year, one of Lithuania's finest music festivals "Skamba, Skamba Kankliai" (the Kankliai is Playing, Playing) prepares to burst into full swing again this week.
The folk festival, which is the best in the country in terms of national acoustic and folk music, kicks off on May 25 and runs for a week. "Skamba Skamba Kankliai" is Lithuannia's oldest city folklore festival, held annually in Vilnius' Old Town since 1973, and has gained in popularity every year.
The name of the festival refers to an ancient Lithuanian musical instrument called the kankles. It plays similar to the Latvian kokle, but not quite. It looks like the Estonian kannel, but not quite. And it sounds like the Finnish kantele 's yes, you are right - but not quite, again. To get to the point, the kankles has nine to 12 strings, is usually rested on the player's lap and played with the fingers or a pick made of bone or quill.
Each spring the Old Town's parks are overwhelmed with cultural festivals that spring from Lithuania's deep heritage, which consists of 600,000 songs among other cherished traditions. The festival is one of the few chances that modern-day citizens get to listen to sutartine, a special method of singing typical to Lithuania only. Also, Lithuanian folk musicians are widely known for their lively party-spirit, so don't miss out on the marvelous dancing parties, which will be held on May 26 and 28. Get out your folk costume because everyone is invited for traditional Lithuanian dancing.
Over 30 folklore groups from across the country are regular participants at the festival, and as if to prove that a great variety of nations exist in the world (in case the folksy festival flock has forgotten), guests from other foreign countries will be performing alongside their Baltic counterparts. "Skamba, skamba kankles" this year will be hosting a folk band from Georgia, Akhali Mtiebi, which will perform a remarkable show of authentic Georgian songs and dances. Another guest from Israel, an Arabic-Bedouin group, will be performing traditional wedding dances. Folk groups from close neighbor countries, such as Latvia, Belarus and Ukraine, will also present their cultural heritage.
While attending the festival, don't forget to visit the craft fair (with its traditional Baltic knick-knacks), have a few authentic dishes, and enjoy the special exhibitions. Word is that this year's show could be quirkier than ever, including a dress made of potato skins and dishes consisting of roots and moss.
The festival, which is visited by some 20,000 people annually, usually draws a healthy mix of families, young millennium scoundrels and old folksong veterans. So, don't be afraid to mingle in, whether you're a heavy-metal music fan or a kankles historian. One thing's for sure - you'll learn at least something new about Lithuanian tradition and culture.
