We invite you to join us for the magical night of Midsummer or Dew Festival - when the sun reaches its zenith, when the vegetation is in full bloom, and when all living things come to life. It is the shortest and brightest night of the year, and has always symbolised joy, the flourishing of the natural world and man's own union with nature for our people. Experience this magical effect, ancient traditions revived and a touch of otherness from the Far East in the wild nature of Paliesius Manor - here, where silence can be heard.
Sunday, 23 June
From 4 pm, you will be able to enjoy your time in the open air of the Paliesius Manor with your family and friends. On the terrace of the park, among the centuries-old trees, you can enjoy meals and snacks from the Manor's restaurant and a refreshing glass of wine from the Manor's wine cellar collection.
As the evening draws near, we invite you to remember the tradition of the Dew Festival by walking barefoot in the grass and kneeling. Barefoot on the grass, you will be in direct contact with nature, pulsating with life. In the surroundings of Paliesius Manor, in the meadows of the Kanciogina River valley, you will be able to collect herbs, remembering the herbalism that is one of the most important traditions of the festival. It is not only a magical experience, but it is believed that on this night, medicinal herbs acquire special powers, for example that St John's wort collected on Midsummer's Eve can cure 99 illnesses.
Those who want to enjoy music and peace will be invited to a two-part concert at 7pm, featuring Japanese music and improvisations. Although the Land of the Rising Sun is far away from Lithuania, many similarities can be found: both countries have always worshipped the forces of nature, which are particularly powerful on this night. In the first part of the concert, you will hear Japanese cellist Chie Narita, who not only plays but also sings, creating nature-inspired songs and poems. In the second part, you will hear pianist, singer, composer Ieva Marija Baranauskaitė and violinist, singer, actress Lyja Maknavičiūtė and their nature-themed improvisations "Summer Solstice Improvisation".
19:00 | Summer Solstice Improvisation
After 16:00 you can have dinner in our restaurant. You can view the menu at the concert.
After the concert, there will be a Dew Festival: wreath weaving and chatting, songs by the fire, spells and wreaths floating in the Kanciogina River... We will be able to crown ourselves with the wreaths, a symbol of eternity and repetition, enjoying the gift of nature, and then letting it go with the flowing stream. This is not only symbolic but also magical: our ancestors believed that a beautiful, straight wreath promised an easy life, and that touching wreaths could herald the beginning of a romantic relationship. Around the campfire, we'll be singing unifying, heartwarming songs and inviting the brave to jump over the fire.
And what is Midsummer Night without a magical bath! On Midsummer's Eve, it was customary to bathe in rivers and lakes in the belief that it would help you get well, improve your health and ward off illness. We suggest swimming in the peaceful Lake Milašaitis (the lake is located 4 km from the manor house, so we recommend travelling by car). We will also invite you to take a trip to the Krikoniai spring to drink the magical water - on this night, the energy of the water changes and it acquires special qualities that make it able to stand for a long time and not to spoil, so don't forget a container for the spring water.
Ionic Celebration with Music and Dinner (Tasting Dinner* + concert ticket)
At 12 noon we invite you to try yourself in the river. This stretch of the river is not extreme, so it's perfect for active families or friends.
Prepare according to the forecasted temperature. We recommend shoes with laces or special shoes for swimming. You will have the opportunity to take a shower on your return (you must bring your own towels).
Hike duration 1 hour.
For those who like to move faster, we invite you to bring your bicycle and explore the surroundings of Paliesius Manor, where there are many undiscovered places of interest: Mielagėnai Church, Miečionys Street Village, Tverečius Town, Katinautiškės Coupe Village, Gilūtos and more. There are also plenty of lakes to wade in and refresh yourself during your trip.
Nature, music, improvisation: a magical summer solstice celebration Sessions
