The festival began in 1924 and has been held ever since, with each celebration growing more elaborate than the last. Thousands of choirs from towns and villages all over Lithuania rehearse for years in advance. When they finally gather together at the outdoor stadium in Vilnius, the combined sound of all those voices is said to be overwhelming — people often cry with joy.
Participants wear traditional Lithuanian folk costumes, which vary by region. Women wear intricately woven linen blouses and skirts with bold stripes; men wear embroidered shirts. The colourful sea of traditional dress, combined with the music, creates a breathtaking visual and sonic experience.
The repertoire includes ancient folk songs, many of which have been passed down orally for centuries, alongside newer compositions written especially for the festival. Some folk songs are very old indeed — ethnomusicologists (scientists who study traditional music) have found evidence that certain Lithuanian songs are among the oldest surviving folk music in Europe.
The Song Festival is not just a concert — it is a celebration of Lithuanian identity, language, and community. Schools, families, and whole villages take part. Children join youth choirs that perform at the event, making it a tradition that is constantly renewing itself across generations.