November just started and we present you our monthly article aiming to advise you what to do if you visit Vilnius in November.
November in Lithuanian language is lapkritis that literally means the falling leaves. The colorful bouquet from green to rich red and golden yellow leaves blanket the ground, the city becomes calm and melancholic. If you just decided to visit Vilnius this month, please check our article for the best things to do in Vilnius.
1st of November- All Saints day
While on the Eve of All Saints day many people in the world celebrate Halloween with creepy costumes, carved pumpkins and tricks, the next day in Lithuania is welcomed with calmness and peace.
All Saints day in the Christian world is a celebration of all saints and especially those who do not have its’ own feast day. In Lithuania, it is a public holiday dedicated to remember and honor the souls of passed away. Most of Lithuanians call it “Velines” which was the celebration in pagan times that honored the souls of dead ancestors with special rituals. Though the years these rituals became traditions that are still live today. Usually, a lot of Lithuanians leave their homes and visit the graves of their relatives thinking about those that passed away. The cemeteries are gorgeous that night, the tombs are decorated with flowers and lit by candles.
Visit cemeteries in Vilnius
The best way to spend this day is to visit any cemetery in Vilnius. The sight of hundreds of graveside candles glowing in the dark creates romantic and mysterious atmosphere. Here is the list of the most famous cemeteries in Vilnius where a lot of famous Lithuanians rest in peace.
- Rasu Cemetery that is the oldest cemeteries in Vilnius
- Bernadine’s Cemetary– the second oldest in Vilnius
- Antakalnio Cemetery – the biggest cemetery in Vilnius
From 20th of October till 6th of November: International Contemporary Music Festival Gaida
Traditionally October brings the latest music winds to various concert halls in Vilnius. The biggest and the most prominent modern music festival in Baltic states named Gaida takes place in Vilnius in October.
During more than 10 years the Gaida festival has become the prestigious event not only for Lithuanian music lovers, but also for international audiences that numerously attend concerts of the festival.
Please find the programme of the festival here.
From 8th November till 14th of November: Vilnius Gastronomy Week
If you visit Vilnius this week, don’t miss an opportunity to taste Vilnius Gastronomy Week dishes. November traditionally becomes gourmet discoveries month. Already the six year in the row, the gastronomy week will take place in different restaurants of Vilnius that will offer a wide range of dishes dedicated to food gourmets and those who want to discover a higher food culture.
From 10th until 20th of November- European Film Forum Scanorama
Held since 2003 this is one of the biggest cinema festivals in Vilnius.
More information and the programme can be found here.
26th of November – Christmas Town opening
Lightning of Christmas tree and the little Christmas town around will be open at cathedral square on the 26th of November. While you are here, grab a piece of gingerbread and a glass of hot wine and celebrate the start of the Christmas season in Vilnius!
Last tips about the weather
If you visit Vilnius in November, be prepared for cool weather. Have in mind that November is usually cold, cloudy, windy and humid. The first part of the month is usually warmer and lighter, but further you go, the darker and colder it becomes. The chance of a wet day remains around 24%.
The length of the daylight is also rapidly decreasing. At the beginning of the month, the days are about 9 hours long, but in the end, only 7 hours 41 min are light. Have in mind that about 3-4 pm it will start getting dark.
So before your trip to Vilnius, check the weather forecast very carefully and be prepared: bring a windproof jacket, umbrella and most importantly, for your personal comfort bring warm coat and shoes.
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If you need more specific information about the things to do in Vilnius, don’t hesitate to contact us at info(eta)vilniusfreetour.lt
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