I would like to tell you about the place where I usually spend half of my annual vacation—the best place in the whole world! It‘s called Klaipeda. Close your eyes and try to imagine this place...No, no, this is not an exotic island with green palms and golden beaches...it is in the middle of Europe. OK, for the majority of those who probably have never heard about this location, I will explain. Klaipëda is the third-largest city in Lithuania and is situated in the western part of the country on the coast of the Baltic Sea and Curonian Lagoon. The population of Klaipëda is approximately 200,000 inhabitants. Not too many...but it is the perfect place to visit for those who want to rest and enjoy life, especially in summer.
I was born in Klaipeda, lived there until the age of 21, and then moved to the capital of Lithuania, Vilnius. But every summer I come back to participate in Klaipeda‘s Sea Festival. Usually the festival is held during the last week of July. It‘s a great time and a perfect getaway! This festival changes the rhythm of the city. About half a million people gather in Klaipeda during this event! Every year the festival structure amazes by its variety! Last year in its program we found classical, rock, country, jazz, and pop music concerts. So you can go there with your friends or with your family, because children, young people, and elders always have a chance to have fun and to find the events and attractions they are interested in. You can taste different local dishes right on the street, so don’t miss the chance to taste famous Lithuanian beer called Svyturys!
One of the greatest events of the Sea Festival is Folk Fair—about 300 craftspeople and sellers from all over Lithuania selling their crafts during 3-day non-stop trade. So if you would like to buy a real Lithuanian souvenir, I advise you to pay attention to hand-made wood carvings, plashed baskets, and metal works finely twisted by hammers—everything here appeals to hundreds of thousands of festival guests who have arrived in Klaipeda. This festival also includes such events as the Baltic Sprint Cup regatta and the international sailing festival Baltic Sail events.
Another remarkable feature of the Sea Festival is picturesque city decorations. Every year artists and painters create unique, artistic accents and creatively decorate Klaipeda's Old Town, which adds to distinguishing the Sea Festival and the city itself from other, similar events in Lithuania. And, of course, special attention is paid to marine accents—sailors get a high rate of respect during sea festivals!