Vilnius celebrates the Epiphany

VILNIUS - On Jan. 6 Lithuania celebrated the day of the Epiphany, the end of
the Christmas season's festivities, with a traditional procession of
the three Magi through the main streets of Vilnius Old Town.

The carnival-like procession was very popular before World War II.
The Soviets banned the tradition, but it was revived 10 years ago,
along with the country's independence.

This parade was led by the three Magi, each a three-meter cardboard
sculpture with an actor from the Senamiescio Theater inside. A
cheering crowd of musicians and children followed them.

The moving cardboard creations symbolize the three wise men who
visited and brought gifts to the baby Jesus. Lithuanians call them
Kasparas, Melchioras and Baltazaras. This is why many doors of flats
and offices have the inscription "K+M+B" on them.

"My father always writes 'K+M+B' on our flat's doors. Children,
participants of the carnival parade, write the same letters on the
doors of our bank," said Jolanta, who works for Taupomasis Bankas.

The celebration in Vilnius ended with a Biblical-theme performance by
the Senamiescio Theater actors. It was held in front of thousands of
spectators in Cathedral Square.