On Children’s Day – the Traditional Celebration Honouring Young Residents of Šiauliai “I Am a Little Citizen of Šiauliai”

On Friday, May 15, 2026, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., Šiauliai Central Park (entrance from Aušros Avenue) will become a special meeting place for the city’s youngest residents. The traditional celebration honouring young citizens of Šiauliai, “I Am a Little Citizen of Šiauliai”, now taking place for the 22nd year, will be held there. Dedicated to Children’s Day, the event annually brings together hundreds of babies, their parents, and relatives for meaningful time together. It is not only a warm community gathering, but also a symbolic welcome for the city’s newest residents, marking their first moments within the community.

Organizers – Šiauliai City Municipality Civil Registry Office and Šiauliai Cultural Center. Sponsors – Compensa Life Vienna Insurance Group SE Lithuanian Branch and Rūta.
Partner – Šiauliai Arts School. The event is free of charge.

For more than two decades, this initiative has become a beautiful tradition reflecting the values of Šiauliai as a growing and vibrant city – togetherness, the importance of family, and care for its youngest residents. The celebration is organized to mark Children’s Day, celebrated in Lithuania on the third Friday of May. Symbolically positioned between Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and Family Day, it highlights the importance of children within the family and society, encouraging greater attention to children’s well-being and future.

This year, more than 400 babies born between May 1, 2025, and April 15, 2026, together with their families, are expected to be honoured during the celebration. The mayor of Šiauliai, Artūras Visockas, will ceremonially present “Little Citizen of Šiauliai” certificates and symbolic commemorative gifts to the young “stars” of the event.

“Every new resident of Šiauliai is a sign of our city’s growth and future. I am delighted to congratulate the families who are building their lives in Šiauliai, raising children, and strengthening the community. May this celebration become a beautiful beginning to the little ones’ journey in our city,” says Artūras Visockas, Mayor of Šiauliai.

The programme will invite visitors not only to the official honouring ceremony, but also to various activities for the entire family. Participants will be able to take part in educational workshops on art, road safety, first aid, and civil safety, as well as learn about police work and meet the police mascot Amsis. Children will enjoy colouring and drawing areas, a temporary tattoo corner, and a bouncy castle zone, while curious participants will be able to try STEAM activities such as creating slime or making bracelets.

Older children together with their parents will be invited to create and assemble pictures from soft cubes and test their ingenuity with puzzle games. Art lovers are encouraged to join the creative open-air art workshop for families “Drawing Childhood”, where participants will be able not only to express their creativity, but also to capture the festive atmosphere. The artworks created during the event will be exhibited until May 18.

Throughout the celebration, “The Avenue of Treats” will offer a variety of snacks and soft drinks. Visitors will also enjoy a prize wheel, while the character Polė from Akropolis will distribute lucky coupons.

The organizers remind those wishing to participate in the official honouring ceremony that advance registration is required by May 11. Registration can be completed online by filling out a form on the website of the Šiauliai City Municipality: Šiauliai City Municipality, or in person at the Šiauliai City Municipality Civil Registry Office (Varpo St. 15, Šiauliai).

Photo by Rolandas Parafinavičius.

Information provided by Audronė Jaškinienė, event organizer of the Events Organization Department at the Šiauliai Cultural Center, tel. +370 678 46 145, email: audrone.jaskiniene@siauliukc.lt.