A Two-Decade Tradition Continues – Šiauliai Honors Its Youngest Residents

On June 1, 2025, Šiauliai's Central Park became a vibrant hub of positive emotions, creativity, and community as it hosted the traditional event "I Am a Little Šiaulian." This initiative, which has been alive for more than two decades, gathered the residents of Šiauliai to welcome new members of the city community and symbolically open the gates to summer. The event organizers were pleased that the celebration has become a special opportunity every year to come together, celebrate childhood, and create warm memories.

Organizers: Šiauliai City Municipality Administration Civil Registration Department, Šiauliai Culture Center.

On the first day of summer, a large group of families gathered in Šiauliai to celebrate the birth of the city’s youngest residents. During the event, Šiauliai’s mayor Artūras Visockas greeted over 400 children born between May 1, 2024, and May 1, 2025. Each child was presented with a "Little Šiaulian" certificate, symbolizing their membership in the city community, along with commemorative gifts: specially made cups for the occasion, colorful balloons, and most importantly, the heartfelt attention that accompanied each family throughout the event.

The joyful atmosphere in the park was enhanced by activities and entertainment designed for both the little ones and their families. Visitors took part in creative workshops, decorated faces, and created their summer dreams with soft cubes. Children also had the opportunity to engage in interactive educational activities, learn about safety rules, and immerse themselves in the world of sensory games. The themed photo studio captured the most charming moments of the celebration, which parents and children took home as warm memories.

In the creative space "I Draw Childhood," organized by the Šiauliai Culture Center, children, parents, and grandparents drew childhood-inspired images, shared memories, and the festive mood. The event organizers inform that the masterpieces created can be admired until June 4, 2025.

The organizers of the "I Am a Little Šiaulian" event were pleased that over the years, the essence of the initiative remains unchanged – it is a meaningful attention to family, respect for the growing generation, and a sense of community that creates a closer bond between people and the city.

The event sponsor was the insurance company "Compensa Life Vienna Insurance Group SE" Lithuanian branch, with friends: UAB "Rūta" and Šiauliai School of Arts.

Information provided by Asta Vaitkienė, Head of the Event Organization Department of Šiauliai Culture Center, mob. +370 671 42 901, email asta.vaitkiene@siauliukc.lt.

Photo by Rolandas Parafinavičius.