Dumbly defying dangers, no. Yes, instead, decide with intelligence and attention to which destination to turn, also thinking about the positive effects that your trip can have on the economy and the populations of that destination.
Geography does not lie: small Lithuania is far from far from the tensions that are shaking Eastern Europe and, let’s face it, from the war in Ukraine. However, it remains an open and safe country and which, as such, continues to promote, among other things, its Kaunas – second Lithuanian city – as the European Capital of Culture 2022 (the others are Esch-sur-Alzette, in Luxembourg, and Novi Sad in Serbia).
Street Art (photo by Martynas Plepys)
One hundred kilometers from the capital Vilnius – both are connected to Italy by direct flights – Kaunas is particularly marked by the architecture and art of the Art Deco period, between the two world wars – with the counterpoint of numerous graffiti and murals in the whole city – and has its “obligatory” tourist references in the baroque monastery of Pažaislis, in the belvedere of Aleksotas and in the famous castle.
Le Poste Centrali, edificio emblematico Kaunas (photo by Gintaras Česonis)
But the year as cultural capital brings with it the typical exclusive novelties of these events, which make it even more interesting to plan a long weekend in these parts, especially in the months of spring and early summer.
Let’s say right away that the dramatic situation in Ukraine motivated the organizers to ensure that all events included in their program an element of support for the populations affected by the war. In addition, a dedicated space, CulturEUkraine, was opened in the Central Post Office, one of the Lithuanian symbols most linked to the period between the two world wars. The basic idea is that “culture and creativity have always been the beacons of hope during the darkest times in the history of humanity, helping people to overcome all obstacles and lifting spirits” says Virginija Vitkienė, responsible for Kaunas 2022.
La funicolare verso Aleksotas (photo by Laimonas Ciūnys Some Agency)
The events on the agenda during the year will be more than a thousand. Among these, the retrospective exhibition by Yoko Ono entitled “The Learning Garden of Freedom” and the solo exhibition by Marina Abramović “Memory of Being” stand out: a video installation that will show the conceptual works and performances of the controversial artist from 1960 to today. .
An aquatic show, dotted with performances by acrobats, circus artists and musical tours on the water will, in May, The Confluence and will take place at the confluence of the two most important Lithuanian rivers, Neris and Nemunas. It will be the second stage of a trilogy that focuses on and brings together all the strands of the Contemporary Myth of Kaunas.
Info about Kaunas capital of culture here
General info about Lithuania here
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