This is the international folk festival they have here in Vilnius every year. I caught part of it last year, but this year I brought my camera!

The festival went for 4 days, but I really only attended on Saturday and Sunday.

On Saturday evening, several of the top groups performed in Serekiskiu Parkas near the Cathederal.

This little girl was so pleased to have her picture taken, and even more so when I showed it to her on the little screen in the camera!

This guy is with a group from Isreal, but obviously they are Palestinain, not Jewish.

This is the best photo of the whole bunch! I love this guy, he was from a group that comes from somewhere in the Caucases. Their voices were absolutely amazing, they could really command an audiance. The most interesting thing too is that the oldest member of their group was probably in his 60's and the youngest looked about 13.

This girl was just waiting for someone in one of the groups I think... and I got lucky with the light here...

Now it's the Ukranian group's turn. I guess this is some kind of dance for spring...

There was only one guy in this group... the girls were quite pretty, I guess we can imagine what interests him in folk dancing!

They have turned him into a Maypole!

Summer had finally come to Vilnius and it was a lovely evening in the park.

I loved all the clapping and stomping from this group.

The Palestinians really caught the crowd's attention!

This guy was the leader of the group I guess.

He jumped down into the crowd and they loved it!

These girls are from the group from the Caucases. I love their costumes!

These guys had really strong voices... but I wonder what the bones are for in their coats... are they some kind of armour?

They did a lot of singing and dancing in a circle... I guess this music is not meant for audiances!

These guys were such a big hit. I understand it's their third year here!

It was getting dark as the program finished up...

One of our vary own Lithuanian groups led everyone in some dancing before we went home.

Sunday was also Corpus Cristi and there was a big processian through the old town.

I love the national costumes..

These girls were so beautiful.

Meanwhile in the park... the dancing continues!

This group is considered one of the best in Lithuania. And believe me, there are a LOT of folk groups in Lithuania!

They even brought their own band!

On Sunday evening, the festival closed, with all the groups performing in front of the Prezedentura! It was a beautiful concert!

I'll be adding more photos as I get around to it... I took a LOT! So check back if you're as interested in this kind of thing as I am!