Vilnius celebrates with Pink Soup Fest this May

Vilnius is set to host its annual Pink Soup Fest from 29 to 31 May, celebrating the iconic Lithuanian cold beetroot soup, šaltibarščiai. This year, the festival introduces new experiences such as the Pink Break, a synchronised citywide lunch, and a free Pink Soup Bus connecting key festival locations. As Southern Europe faces heatwaves, Vilnius offers a cooler alternative with its lively cultural events.

The festival, now in its fourth year, has grown in popularity, drawing over 93,000 visitors last year, including 17,000 from abroad. Eglė Girdzijauskaitė, Head of Communications at Go Vilnius, noted, “The momentum is turning the festival into a compelling reason to visit Vilnius.”

Highlights include a 50-metre pink water slide, a waiters’ race, and a walking competition. The Pink Soup Bus will run free of charge from Vilnius Railway Station, making it easy to explore the city. Additionally, Vilnius Airport will temporarily become Vilnius Pinkternational Beetport.

The Pink Break on 29 May at noon will see residents and visitors enjoying šaltibarščiai simultaneously across the city. Halės Market will transform into the Pink Soup Market, hosting Pink Nights with music and social events.

Beyond the festival, Vilnius offers a packed summer cultural calendar, including Culture Night on 12 June and the Lithuanian Youth Song Festival from 3 to 6 July. With its cooler climate and vibrant events, Vilnius is an attractive summer destination

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