At the ‘Farewell to the Terribly Beautiful Morės’ Šiauliai Took a Stand Against Winter

On February 17, 2026, Šiauliai entered into the final battle against winter, which this year seems unwilling to retreat. As the frost pinched and snow crunched underfoot, the city rang with laughter and songs – the “Farewell to the Terribly Beautiful Morės” invited spring to return. As many as 36 “beauties” from the exhibition-competition “Terribly Beautiful Morė,” accompanied by witches, devils, animals, and other mythical creatures, marched noisily through the city from Kaštonų Alley towards the “Iron Fox.” There, those gathered were treated to a lively evening of dancing, singing, and games, while the festive excitement was further heated by the traditional duel between Lašininis and Kanapinis. The climax of the evening became the burning ceremony of the exhibition-competition “Terribly Beautiful Morė” – an archaic ritual symbolically driving out winter and opening the way for spring.

Organizer – Šiauliai City Municipality. Event organizer – Šiauliai Cultural Center.

As early as February 6, Kaštonų Alley was lined with the exhibition-competition “Terribly Beautiful Morė,” held for the 9th time. This year it became record-breaking – residents were greeted by as many as 36 Morės created by communities of schools, kindergartens, libraries, and various cultural and public institutions. Each of them was unique, inventive, and full of symbolism: from traditional straw-adorned Morės to modern interpretations reflecting current events, humor, and the creators’ imagination. The exhibition attracted great interest – the people of Šiauliai actively voted on social media, supporting their favorite Morės and thus becoming part of the celebration themselves. The exhibition once again confirmed that creativity and tradition in Šiauliai go hand in hand, and that communities willingly engage in the city’s cultural life.

Online votes determined that this year the most sympathy went to: first place – Šiauliai kindergarten “Berželis,” second place – Šiauliai kindergarten “Žirniukas,” and third place – Šiauliai kindergarten “Ežerėlis.” All winners were awarded prizes established by UAB “Rūta,” UAB “Šiaulių Injusta,” “Akropolio ledas,” and “Vaikystės miestas.”

On February 17, the noisy “Farewell to the Terribly Beautiful Morės” procession became one of the brightest highlights of Užgavėnės. The colorful procession, accompanied by laughter and loud shouts, set off from Kaštonų Alley and traveled along Vilniaus Street pedestrian boulevard, Vasario 16-osios Street, and Aušros Path towards the shore of Lake Talkša. Passersby, families with children, and curious city guests joined the procession – here, the celebration was not merely observed, but experienced.

Masked characters – devils, witches, reapers, animals, and other mythical beings – created a theatrical atmosphere, and their jokes and improvisations constantly drew the audience into the shared bustle. For a moment, the city turned into a living stage where everyone could become part of the celebration.

When the procession reached the shore of Lake Talkša, by the “Iron Fox,” it transformed into a lively evening gathering – folklore rhythms, laughter, games, and shared joy merged, inviting everyone to bid farewell to winter together. The musical program was presented by Šiauliai Cultural Center folklore ensembles “Salduvė” (artistic director D. Daknys) and “Vijolė” (artistic director A. Stankus), as well as the Šiauliai Dainai Music School children and youth folklore ensemble “Vieversėlis” (leader A. Stankus) and the Šiauliai Jovaras Progymnasium and Didždvaris Gymnasium children and youth folk dance ensemble “Šėltinis” (leaders V. and R. Laugaliai, G. Petrauskė, G. Urbonavičius).

As the atmosphere heated up, the fierce duel between Lašininis and Kanapinis took place, and the culmination of the evening became the burning of the winning Morė of the exhibition-competition “Terribly Beautiful Morė” – a symbolic victory of light over darkness. The other Morės were respectfully bid farewell and sent off to the beyond.

The organizers express their gratitude to all who participated in the competition “Terribly Beautiful Morė.” This year, the following demonstrated their ingenuity and commitment to tradition: Šiauliai kindergarten “Ežerėlis,” Šiauliai kindergarten “Pupų pėdas,” Šiauliai kindergarten “Eglutė,” Šiauliai City Municipality Care Home, Šiauliai “Juventa” Progymnasium, Šiauliai kindergarten “Voveraitė,” Šiauliai Technology Training Center Health Care and Social Welfare and Business Services Departments, Šiauliai “Romuva” Progymnasium, Šiauliai “Santaka” Education Center, Šiauliai City Municipality Public Library, Šiauliai kindergarten “Berželis,” Šiauliai County Povilas Višinskis Public Library, Šiauliai kindergarten “Gluosnis,” association “Zokniai Community,” Šiauliai “Saulėtekis” Gymnasium, Comprehensive Services House “Alka,” Šiauliai kindergarten “Bitė,” Šiauliai kindergarten “Ąžuoliukas,” Šiauliai University Gymnasium, Šiauliai District Ginkūnai Sofija and Vladimiras Zubovai Progymnasium, Šiauliai kindergarten “Pasaka,” Šiauliai Petras Avižonis Education Center, Šiauliai Gytariai Progymnasium, Šiauliai Simonas Daukantas Engineering Gymnasium, Šiauliai Dainai Progymnasium, Šiauliai City Municipality Social Services Center, Šiauliai Vincas Kudirka Progymnasium, Public Institution “Mūsų kiemelis,” Šiauliai “Saulė” Primary School, Šiauliai Gegužei Progymnasium clubs “Eco Workshops” and “Gegužei Sweet Tooths,” Šiauliai “Santarvė” Gymnasium, Šiauliai kindergarten “Žiogelis,” Šiauliai Arts School Open Youth Center, Šiauliai kindergarten “Žirniukas,” Šiauliai kindergarten “Gintarėlis.”

Užgavėnės in Šiauliai is more than a celebration. It is a living tradition that brings together different generations, encourages creativity, and strengthens the sense of community. This initiative allows residents not only to preserve customs, but also to create new meanings, giving significance to unity and joy.

Sponsors: UAB “Rūta,” UAB “Šiaulių Injusta,” “Akropolio ledas,” “Vaikystės miestas.”

Information partners: media group “Etaplius,” “Miesto naujienos,” “Owexx.”

Information provided by Rasa Šiaučiūnaitė, Event Organizer of the Event Organization Department of the Šiauliai Cultural Center, mob. +370 655 25 523, e-mail rasa.siauciunaite@siauliukc.lt.

Photos by Gintarė Daknytė and Liubov Yarmoshenko.

More photos can be found on the Šiauliai Cultural Center Facebook account: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?vanity=siauliukulturoscentras&set=a.1387813600056134