Traditional Three Kings’ Procession in Šiauliai on January 6

On January 6, 2026, at 5:30 PM, the traditional Three Kings’ procession will take place in Šiauliai, symbolically bidding farewell to the major festive season of the year. Impressive Kings, nearly three meters tall, accompanied by various characters, will invite the residents of Šiauliai and guests of the city to become part of a living tradition. It is hoped that this celebration will bring together families and communities, offer warm and cozy emotions, allow a meaningful farewell to the Christmas period, and usher in the new year with hope, peace, and a sense of togetherness.
Organizer – Šiauliai Cultural Center.

The Feast of the Three Kings, also known as the Epiphany, has been celebrated in Christian tradition since the earliest centuries. It is associated with the biblical story of the three wise men from the East who, following a bright star, arrived in Bethlehem to honor the newborn baby Jesus and brought Him symbolic gifts – gold, frankincense, and myrrh. This day symbolizes the victory of light over darkness, the importance of faith, hope, and unity, and also marks the end of the Christmas season.

Every year, Šiauliai commemorates this meaningful feast with solemn and publicly accessible Three Kings’ processions. This year, city residents and visitors will be able to see not only the three Kings bearing gifts – nearly 3-meter-tall characters Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar – but also the animals accompanying them: Sheep, a Donkey, an Ox, a Camel, as well as the impressive Sun, standing as tall as 2.5 meters, which joined the procession last year. At the front of the procession, the Morning Star will traditionally lead the way – bright and impressive, believed to have guided the Three Kings to Bethlehem.

“The Three Kings’ procession is not only a beautiful city tradition, but also a meaningful moment of togetherness that brings together Šiauliai residents of different generations. This celebration reminds us of the light we can bring to one another and the values that unite us,” says Deimantė Bačiulė, Director of Šiauliai Cultural Center.

The procession will start from Šiauliai Cultural Center and, passing through Kaštonų Avenue and the Vilniaus Street pedestrian boulevard, will reach Tilžės Street. The noisy, colorful, and lively procession will delight passers-by until it reaches its final destination – Resurrection Square – and stops by the Nativity scene installed there.

At the Nativity scene, a priest will greet those gathered on the occasion of the celebration, and blessed chalk will traditionally be distributed. With it, residents and guests of the city are invited to continue an ancient Christian tradition – to write “+K+M+B” above the doors of their homes. It is believed that this sign symbolizes protection, blessing, and God’s care for homes and their inhabitants.

The organizers remind that during the procession, traffic will be temporarily restricted from the Vilniaus Street boulevard along Tilžės Street to Resurrection Square.

Photos by Gintarė Daknytė and Liubov Yarmoshenko.

Information provided by Edita Smindriūnaitė, Deputy Head of the Event Organization Division of Šiauliai Cultural Center, tel. +370 656 13 886, e-mail edita.smindriunaite@siauliukc.lt.