Alytus is preparing to celebrate its 445th anniversary with a three-day festival that promises to transform the city into a vibrant hub of music, culture, and community spirit. From June 12 to June 14, the city will host a diverse range of performers across three distinct stages, catering to all ages and musical tastes. This year’s celebration is centered around the theme “The heart of the green land is green,” a nod to the city’s anthem and its commitment to growth and hospitality.
Essential Festival Information and Dates
For those planning to attend or return to Alytus for the festivities, here are the primary details to note:
- Dates: June 12–14, 2024.
- Location: Various venues across Alytus, including Dainų slėnis (Songs Valley), Šilo stage, and Basanavičius Street.
- Theme: “Žalio krašto, žalia ir širdis” (The heart of the green land is green).
- Admission: Most public concerts and the parade are free to attend.
- Target Audience: Residents, the Lithuanian diaspora, and international visitors.
The festival is designed as a homecoming event, encouraging those who have moved to other cities or abroad to return to Alytus to reconnect with friends and family while witnessing the city’s recent developments.
Musical Lineup Across Three Stages
The 2024 musical program is the most ambitious to date, featuring a mix of legendary Lithuanian acts and contemporary electronic music. The performances are organized across three main areas to ensure a variety of atmospheres.
The Main Stage (Dainų slėnis)
On Friday, the program kicks off with the percussion group Ritmas kitaip, followed by performances from GIEDRĖ and the indie-folk duo Kamanių Šilelis. The evening will culminate in a high-energy electronic set by JOVANI, featuring guest appearances by Norbertas, Elzy, Remis Retro, Atlanta, Senjasa, and Simutė.
Saturday at the Main Stage will focus on international friendship, marking the 30th anniversary of cooperation between Alytus and Suwałki, Poland. Expect special performances from Polish guests. The evening continues with the beloved Žaliasis choras (The Green Choir) and city ambassador Nojus-Darius Mileris, followed by FC Baseball. The night concludes with the legendary pop group Dinamika and a headline show by Adrina.
The Šilo Stage
This stage offers a more traditional and family-oriented atmosphere. On Friday, attendees can enjoy folk ensembles and the iconic group Jonis. Saturday is dedicated to children’s activities during the day, with an evening concert headlined by the group Šeškės.
The Electronic Stage (Basanavičius Street)
Following a successful debut last year, the third stage returns at the end of Basanavičius Street. This venue is dedicated to electronic music fans, operating from 10:00 PM until 3:00 AM. Featured acts include Happyendless and Fundamental, with DJ sets from Roe Deers, dancewithyourhairstylist, Greta Margo, and Ugne Sync.
The ‘Green Wave’ Parade and Community Activities
A cornerstone of the Alytus City Days is the traditional festive parade, titled “Žalia banga” (The Green Wave). This event brings together local businesses, schools, and community organizations in a colorful procession through the city streets. Participants are encouraged to embrace the “green” theme, and awards will be presented to the most creative and original groups in the march.
Beyond the music and the parade, the city will host several auxiliary events:
* The City Fair: A large market featuring local crafts, food, and artisanal goods.
* Sports Events: Including a city marathon and a community cycling tour.
* Family Zones: Dedicated areas for children’s entertainment, attractions, and photo booths.
* Food Zones: A variety of local and international street food options will be available throughout the festival grounds.
Registration and Participation
Local organizations and groups wishing to participate in the “Green Wave” parade are required to register in advance. The municipality has opened an online registration form to coordinate the logistics of the procession. While the full detailed schedule of hourly events is expected to be released in the coming weeks, the core musical lineup is now confirmed, allowing visitors to plan their travel and accommodation accordingly.
Source: Alytaus miesto savivaldybė
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