cities and Countries participating in the Kaziuko muge
As you can tell, Kaziuko muge is a very popular and well-known fair in Vilnius. It brings a lot of people together and a lot of sharing of cultures occurs. Different cities in Lithuania, as well as other countries around the world, have noticed this. They have created their own little Kaziuko muges. Obviously, they are not as big and important in other cities, but slowly they are still growing and occurring. These are some Kaziuko muges that occur in places other than Vilnius.
Kaunas is the second largest city in Lithuania, after Vilnius, and as such, this fair is celebrated there as well. Kaziuko muge has been going on in this city for sixteen years, which is dwarfed by how many years it has been going on in Vilnius. A lot of the products sold at the fair in Kaunas are very similar to the ones sold in Vilnius, with things such as barankos, gaideliai and verbos. The fair lasts for the same amount of time as in Vilnius (Friday-Sunday), but this year it was two weeks later than in Vilnius. The fair is, however, still very popular, attracting many people.
Klaipeda is a beautiful Lithuanian city by the sea side and this year had its fifth annual Kaziuko muge. Klaipeda is evidently new to this fair and so it definitely isn’t as popular there as it is in Kaunas and Vilnius. However, it is still a great way to get out of the house and buy some great things. Just as in Vilnius and Kaunas, people from different countries come to this fair, such as those from Poland and Latvia. Up until recently, Klaipeda's celebration has lasted only for one day, but for this year, it was expanded to two (March 5-6). Klaipeda has created a great event for the city's people to enjoy.
Other cities of Lithuania
Kaziuko muge is also celebrated in many other Lithuanian cities like Panevezys, Siauliai and Lentvaris. These are smaller cities in Lithuania that still make an effort to bring their people together and enjoy Kazuiko muge. In most of these cities, the fair is fairly new and has only been around for about two years, but with each year its celebrated, the interest people have is clear. As more participants become present, Kaziuko muge could become a very large celebration in every city.
Los Angeles has had a “LIthuanian Days Festival” for 29 years, but recently, creators have made efforts to make it as close to Kaziuko muge as possible. This fair in Los Angeles is quite different than the one in Lithuania since things like basketball games and contests have been added. However, the similarities are clear. Things like barankos and verbos are still sold, and even though most other things sold at this fair are souvenirs showing what Lithuania is like, it is still very heart-warming to know that places like Los Angeles care about Lithuanian culture and are interested in finding out more about it. That being said, there is another, slightly less common celebration within the same city. In this fair the main goal is to share Lithuanian culture with as many participants as possible. This Fair doesn't get as many visitors since it is mostly organized by people who find joy in doing this. Having said that, it's still a joy to see.
Participating Countries
belarus
Belarusian salesmen peddling goods at Kaziuko muge offer products dissimilar to that of other countries. People of Belarus sell homemade products such as toys made from wool. From wool they also make dolls and different animals. Also, Belarusian designers bring different clothes, like scarves and hats.
Latvia
A great amount of goods hailing from Latvia can definitely be seen during the fair. Many Latvian products, however, are similar to that of Lithuania. Cities from Latvia bring on a fair amount of homemade goods like clothes and what not. Latvian participants are also a particularly joyful bunch.
russia
During Kaziuko muge, merchants from the Russian city of Kaliningrad bring products to the festival such as varied amber jewelry. One could find amber jewelry in a large amount of shapes and sizes. Other jewelry is available as well, in the form of rings, pendants, bracelets, earrings and many more. Because of this, finding a beautiful type of amber jewelry from Kaliningrad during Kaziuko muge would not be a difficult task whatsoever.
Poland
Polish people come to Kaziuko muge bearing very unique products. Most products Poland provides are homemade. You won’t find many products from Poland, but they will be interesting. The Polish peoples sell sweets, apples and figures made of clay or hay. These figures can range from rabbits and hedgehogs to angels. In conclusion, Poland offers interesting and unique products to sell during the fair.
estonia
Estonian participants can be seen selling candies, clay works and jewelry. Also, you can find bags made for kids that have different images on them. Estonian food products are also very common. Estonia, overall, brings greatly varied products to Kaziuko muge.
czech republic
In Kaziuko muge, Czech Republic products are represented. Most of these products are scarfs. The scarfs are homemade and they have different ornaments on them. In addition, the scarfs are intended for summer time. Overall, you can find beautiful scarfs from cities of the Czech Republic at Kaziuko muge.
Lithuania
Kaziuko muge in Lithuania is a very large occasion. Hundreds of Lithuanians gather to buy and sell handmade goods. Common products sold by Lithuanians include verba, metal/ clay works, jewelry, wood carvings, mats and paintings. In addition, food and beverages are sold as well. A few food products normally seen are sweets, cheeses, meats, bread, barankos, and tea. Furthermore, you can find things like boots, bags, scarves and hats made from the wet wool. Overall, you can find many interesting products during Kaziuko muge which come from different cities of Lithuania.
Austria
Austrian products are also present during the festival. In a single tent of Austrian origin, one could find very unique goods like homemade whistles carved from wood. These whistles could have different ornaments on them, have different curves, colors, and sometimes words written upon them. Overall, you can find beautiful whistles and other nice products from cities of Austria.