In the shadow of the iconic 16th-century Gothic church of Zapyškis, the Lithuanian sky recently transformed into a sprawling canvas of moving art. Despite the grey clouds and persistent rain that swept through the Nemunas valley, the 21st International Kite Festival, titled “Between Earth and Sky,” proved that community spirit is more resilient than the weather. For over two decades, this event has served as a cornerstone of the Kaunas district’s summer calendar, blending traditional folk gatherings with contemporary international artistry.
This year’s iteration was particularly notable for its cross-border collaboration, featuring a significant presence from British artists. The festival welcomed Pauline Taylor and Ged McCormack from the United Kingdom, whose creative contributions offered a bridge between the kite-flying traditions of the British Isles and the Baltic states. Their participation highlighted the festival’s growing reputation as a destination for international kite enthusiasts, moving beyond a local hobbyist meet-up to become a legitimate cultural exchange.
Artistic Innovation in the Lithuanian Skies
The visual centerpiece of the festival was the work of renowned kite masters Tadas Surkys and Donatas Dumskas. Rather than traditional diamond-shaped kites, the pair launched massive kite-flags that functioned as airborne galleries. These impressive structures featured reproductions of famous paintings, allowing art to literally take flight over the river valley. The sight of classical imagery dancing against a stormy Baltic sky provided a surreal and captivating experience for the hundreds of spectators who gathered along the riverbanks.
Beyond the visual spectacle, the festival introduced an sensory layer through the interactive installation “Sutartinai.” This piece invited visitors to immerse themselves in a blend of kinetic animation, natural field recordings, and electronic music. The title itself refers to Sutartinės, a traditional form of Lithuanian polyphonic singing that is inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. By reimagining these ancient harmonies through modern technology, the installation provided a conceptual anchor for the festival, linking Lithuania’s deep cultural past with its innovative present.
A Community Built on Wind and Spirit
The festival’s atmosphere was one of defiant joy. Snieguolė Navickienė, the Vice-Mayor of the Kaunas district, addressed the crowds, praising their refusal to let the rain dampen the festivities. This sense of shared resilience is a hallmark of the region, where the “Between Earth and Sky” festival has become a symbol of togetherness.
For families and younger visitors, the “Meadow of Education” offered a hands-on escape from the weather. Workshops ranged from the practical to the whimsical, with participants learning to construct wind turbines, weather vanes, and binoculars. A paragliding simulator allowed visitors to experience the sensation of flight from the safety of the ground, while giant soap bubbles and traditional outdoor games kept the younger demographic engaged between the main kite launches.
Competitive Edge and Musical Finales
The competitive element of the day remained a major draw. Under the guidance of long-time judge Jonas Kriščiūnas and the energetic commentary of sports journalist Rytis Kazlauskas, kite flyers competed in two age categories. The sight of dozens of kites—ranging from professional-grade foils to handmade paper creations—jostling for position in the wind provided a high-stakes contrast to the more meditative art installations.
As evening fell, the focus shifted from the sky to the stage. The musical lineup featured the retro-pop duo Superkoloritas and the Latvian indie-rock band Sudden Lights, who gained international recognition after representing Latvia in the Eurovision Song Contest. The festival’s opening program was equally poignant, featuring actor Mindaugas Ancevičius and the Kaunas District School of Arts Youth Choir performing the festival’s unofficial anthem, “Aitvaras” (The Kite). The night concluded with a set by DJ Dee, turning the valley into an open-air dance floor and cementing the event’s status as a multifaceted celebration of art, music, and the enduring power of community.
Source: Kauno rajono savivaldybė
/linkComments