Vilnius turns pink as 100,000 celebrate Lithuania's iconic cold beet soup
Vilnius turned pink over the weekend as tens of thousands gathered to celebrate Lithuania’s iconic cold beet soup. The three-day festival drew over 100,000 visitors, transforming the city into a vibrant playground of colour and flavour. Locals and tourists alike donned pink outfits to honour the beloved summer dish, known as šaltibarščiai.
The Vilnius Pink Soup Fest kicked off with a lively parade on land and along the Neris River. Participants dressed as giant cucumbers, eggs, and beets, adding to the playful atmosphere. Among the crowd was Connor Holmes, a tourist from the UK, who joined locals like Jolanta Žukienė, a Vilnius teacher attending for the fourth time with her family.
One of the festival’s highlights was the synchronized 'Pink Break' lunch. Thousands of revellers sat down together to enjoy the refreshing soup, a Lithuanian summer staple. Organisers reported that more than three metric tons of kefir—a key ingredient—were consumed over the weekend. The event is part of Vilnius’ push to boost tourism in the Baltic nation. By blending food, fun, and cultural pride, the festival put a spotlight on Lithuania’s culinary traditions while attracting international visitors.
The festival wrapped up with record attendance and a strengthened reputation as a must-visit summer event. Over 100,000 people tasted šaltibarščiai, explored pink-themed activities, and left with a taste of Lithuania’s hospitality. City officials have already hinted at plans to expand next year’s edition.
