Uzgavenes in Lithuania 2013

I was lucky enough to be in Lithuania for Uzgavenes this year and I enjoyed every minute! Just to explain a little about this Lithuanian Pagan festival. The Catholics have appropriated this festival to mark the beginning of the period of lent.The other names given to Uzgavenes are Shrovetide, Pancake Tuesday, Fat Tuesday and Mardi Gras. Like Easter, Užgavėnės is a movable festival because it is celebrated by the lunar calendar. Generally it is 7 weeks before Easter

My friend Sandi, dressed as a Gypsy and found another Gypsy to have a dance.

There was lots of dancing and singing.

I was an old man with my wooden mask.

There was soo much food! Superstition of Uzgavenes says that you must eat 13 times lest you will go hungry in the next 12 months. I tried my best to eat all the meals but I only got to 9 before I was full as a goog and couldn't eat anymore!

Which way to go?

Hot wine and living beer were very popular drinks.

There was lots for the kids to enjoy. Snow sledding and horse and cart rides were just a few.

The Hemp God and the Bacon God feature in Uzgavenes with a battle where the Hemp God always wins.

I befriended a nice Witch.

There were quite a few men dressed as brides! Very funny to see but a major theme of Uzgavenes masks and outfits is opposites, that's why I came as the old man!

The following photos are from Uzgavenes in Vilnius.

I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw Sandi and myself on this Youtube clip of Uzgavenes in Vilnius! 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=HCmXoKcUBMM

Quite a few people wearing masks and costumes and dancing into the night

A photo opportunity with the More (Hag of Winter), of Vinius.

It was such a great experience that I'll cherish for the rest of my days.