|
TRIPS
The Train of the Mardi Gras Masks
When in early morning hundreds of people in fancy clothes started gathering at Panevėžys Railway Station it soon became clear that the winter will be driven away. As every year a train of 12 carriages waited for its passengers. A jolly accordion player and folk dances ensemble welcomed those wishing to travel on siaurukas to a Mardi Gras festival. Gavėnas, the symbol of the festival, looked at those arriving to the station from a special train platform. After a short trip siaurukas arrived to a forest ground where the festival is celebrated every year. On arrival passengers were met by sledge carts. Drive in a sledge is an old Mardi Grass tradition and many of the passengers seemed to like it. A folk dance ensemble Vilniaus pynimėlis involved everyone into various folk dances and attractions. The chill of the day did not ruin good mood and made everyone even more eager to drive the winter away. Guests of siaurukas did not forget the request to come with masks, some of them even had traditional wooden masks. The most traditional masks were awarded the prizes of siaurukas. prizes of siaurukas. Traditionally, a battle between the characters of Lašininis and Kanapinis, who represented winter and spring, took part. Guests treated themselves to different traditional meals of the day: fatty pancakes and hotchpotch, together they urged the winter to leave the country. Earlier people used to say: if you do not celebrate the Margi Gras misfortunes will lead you throughout the year. Obviously the passengers of siaurukas who celebrated the Margi Grass according to old tradition should escape the troubles. Photographer Andrius Repšys
Year 2005
Year 2006
Year 2007
Year 2008
Year 2009
Year 2010
|
Viewed Today: 169
Total Viewed: 407524
|
Send this page to a friend
