Šiauliai Bids Farewell to Winter at the “Terribly Beautiful Morė” Festival

From February 6 to 17, 2026, Šiauliai will pulse to the rhythm of Užgavėnės, the traditional Lithuanian festival marking the end of winter. As early as February 6, Kaštonų Alley will once again fill with a large gathering of colorful, extravagantly dressed Morė figures adorned with bright rags, ornate hats, and various props. Each will compete for the title in the exhibition–contest “Terribly Beautiful Morė.” The winner will be announced on February 17 during the main event, “The Farewell of the Terribly Beautiful Morės,” when the city will come alive with noise, laughter, and festive excitement. One of the highlights of the day will be the lively masquerade procession from Kaštonų Alley to the shore of Lake Talkša. At the iconic Geležinė lapė sculpture, participants will gather for a farewell celebration with dancing, singing, and games. The evening will culminate in the burning of the winning Morė – a symbolic ritual foretelling the victory of light over darkness and the return of spring.
The event is organized by the Šiauliai City Municipality and the Šiauliai Cultural Center. Admission is free.

In Lithuanian tradition, Užgavėnės marks transformation – the boundary between retreating winter and approaching spring. Through symbolic acts, festive rituals, and communal gathering, people express their connection to seasonal change and the cycles of nature. The celebration blends archaic customs with community spirit and active participation – it is not simply observed, but created together.

“Užgavėnės is a celebration that allows the city to be loud, cheerful, and a little wild. Through costumes, laughter, and shared festivity, we not only preserve traditions but also strengthen our sense of community. We invite everyone to come, join in, and symbolically bid farewell to winter together,” says Deimantė Bačiulė, Director of the Šiauliai Cultural Center.

The festive spirit will begin spreading on February 6 with the 9th annual exhibition–contest “Terribly Beautiful Morė.” This initiative annually brings together local communities, educational institutions, organizations, businesses, and creative residents who contribute to keeping traditions alive. This year, 33 Morė figures will be exhibited, created by both first-time participants and long-time tradition bearers. Until February 17, visitors are invited to vote for their favorite Morė on the Šiauliai Cultural Center’s Facebook page by clicking “Like.” The creators of the most supported Morės will receive prizes established by sponsors.

On February 17 at 5:30 p.m., the main event will begin with a vibrant masquerade procession. Residents and guests are invited to join masked characters – devils, witches, and other mythical beings – in a noisy and joyful farewell to winter. The procession will start at Kaštonų Alley, continue along Vilniaus Street pedestrian boulevard, proceed along Vasario 16-osios Street (from Vilniaus Street to Aušros Avenue), and follow Aušros Path to the shore of Lake Talkša.

At 6:00 p.m., near the Geležinė lapė, a lively evening celebration will take place. The results of the “Terribly Beautiful Morė” contest will be announced and winners awarded. The program will include dances, songs, and games for participants of all ages. Musical performances will be presented by folklore ensembles “Salduvė” and “Vijolė,” the children and youth folklore ensemble “Vieversėlis,” and the children and youth folk dance ensemble “Šėltinis.”

As the atmosphere heats up, the traditional duel between Lašininis and Kanapinis – symbolic characters representing winter and spring – will take place. The final highlight of the evening will be the burning of the winning Morė, an ancient ritual symbolizing the expulsion of winter and the invitation of spring. The remaining Morės will be respectfully bid farewell and symbolically sent off.

The full festival program is available on the Šiauliai Cultural Center website: www.siauliukc.lt.

Sponsors: UAB “Rūta,” UAB “Šiaulių Injusta,” “Akropolio ledas,” “Vaikystės miestas.”
Information partners: media group “Etaplius,” “Miesto naujienos,” “Owexx.”

Photo by Gintarė Daknytė.

For more information, please contact Rasa Šiaučiūnaitė, Event Organizer at the Šiauliai Cultural Center Events Department, mobile +370 655 25 523, e-mail rasa.siauciunaite@siauliukc.lt.