Lithuania, Tourism

The largest restored historical estate in Lithuania, the 19th century Pakruojis Manor, is known for hosting many interactive historical events, where guests become participants of living history happening right in front of their eyes. This summer, the manor is inviting for the first-ever Flower Festival in the country.

The festival is called Midsummer Night’s Dream, and runs from the end of June to the beginning of October. The manor’s grounds become fairy-tale like as they are covered with flower carpets, various floral compositions, and sculptures made of half a million blossoming plants. The event includes engaging activities and intends to be the biggest flower sculpture festival in Europe.

“Our goal is to employ the festival’s scale and diverse activities to bring people together. We want to share the unique cultural and historical experience of Lithuanian manor life with visitors from Lithuania and all around the world,” says Giedrius Klimavičius, the owner of Pakruojis Manor.

Over the three past weekends, the Flower Festival has already attracted 30 000 visitors. By the beginning of October, organizers expect to reach up to 200 000 guests in total.

Walking around the well-kept lawns of the estate, visitors find sculptures ranging from two to six meters in height. Combined with modern blooming installations, the sculptures bring characters from various tales to life, creating a mysterious set.

The theme of the Flower Festival was inspired by William Shakespeare's romantic comedy Midsummer Night's Dream, and its focus on the wedding matches the romantic scenery of the 19th century manor.

On weekends, Flower Festival guests are welcome to join the performers from Šiauliai and Panevėžys Drama Theaters and participate in live interpretations of scenes from the Shakespeare's play.

“One of the reasons why we chose William Shakespeare is that the art movements of the past, including the Renaissance, influenced the 19th-century architecture of Lithuanian manors. This theme gives the festival a touch of literature, culture and history, and it’s the depth which we believe sets it apart from the other similar events,” explains Mr. Klimavičius.

All the artworks were designed by the sculptors Martynas Gauba and Donatas Mockus, florists Jolita Šimelionienė and Mindaugas Šimelionis, and 21 other nationally renowned artists.

The festival experience, however, does not end with the flower sculptures and theatrical performances happening all around the estate. Several restaurants offer authentic regional dishes decorated with edible flowers, such as beetroot salad, special potato pancake Bumbulų, and chicken cooked with beer. 

Furthermore, restored distillery of the manor brews beer and bitters made with local botanicals. Finally, guests can explore living history by joining an excursion, or visiting a perfume making workshop, honey bee farm, sewing atelier, and trying other traditional handicrafts, tailored to the wedding theme.