The Baltics - Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia - celebrate spring with folk festivals, music festivals, and film festivals, as well as souvenir markets.
Lithuania Festival: St. Casimir's Market - March
This springtime crafts fair and market is held in Vilnius. It provides a wonderful opportunity to purchase from a wide variety of folk crafts, pottery, and other creations by Lithuania's artists (some who come from outside of Vilnius to hawk their wares).Latvia Festival: International Children's Film Festival - March
Riga's International Children's Film Festival features films for children from all over Europe. A panel made up of children award the final prizes.Vilnius' Spring Film Festival has been held annually since 1995 and seeks to introduce audiences of the region to independent and artistic film. The film festival frequently pays homage to directors of note.
Lithuania Festival: Sounds of Lithuanian Spring Instruments - May
This Vilnius spring festival provides an opportunity for Lithuanians to celebrate their folk heritage with traditional songs, the playing of folk instruments, and folk dances. Open-air performances means that you can often view and listen for free. Bring your camera to this spring festival, as you're sure to get some wonderful photographs of Lithuanian traditional clothing.Tallinn's spring Jazzkaar festival is an international celebration of jazz. This music festival appeals to both local and visiting fans of jazz music.
Latvia Festival: International Fantasy Film Festival - April/May
Riga hosts an international fantasy film festival every spring. The fantasy film festival features films from horror, science fiction, thriller, and fantasy genres.
