Lithuanian festival in Chicago draws over 7,000 people including former president

Over 7,000 people attended the North American Lithuanian Folk Dance Festival in Chicago last weekend, marking one of the largest gatherings of its kind in recent history. The event, which ran from July 10 to July 12, brought together more than 2,000 dancers and attracted an audience of over 5,000 spectators. Among the attendees was former Lithuanian President Dalia Grybauskaitė, who traveled from her home country to participate in the celebrations. The festival, rooted in efforts to preserve Lithuanian cultural identity, drew participants from across the globe, including countries such as Ireland and Argentina. The festival’s origins trace back to the aftermath of World War II, when many Lithuanians who had fled the Soviet Union settled in the United States. In Chicago, these immigrants established traditions aimed at maintaining their language, customs, and national pride. The first known festival took place in Chicago in 1956, according to Zita Burneikytė-Petkienė, a leader of a Lithuanian dance group based in Seattle. She recalled the early days of the tradition, noting that while she did not personally remember the initial event, she knew it required extensive preparation. Chicago resident Jonas Platakis, who served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, credited the festival with helping him reconnect with his Lithuanian heritage. He said he had been estranged from his cultural roots for nearly 25 years following his return from service. “This festival allows people to reconnect with their Lithuanian roots,” he said. “It brings us back into our community.” Giedrė Elekšytė-Knieža, head of the festival’s organizing committee, stated that this year’s event was the largest since the 1980s. The previous record was set in 1980, with approximately 2,200 participants. This year saw 2,101 dancers taking part in the festivities. The numbers reflect both the enduring appeal of the tradition and the growing participation of younger generations. Many attendees emphasized the importance of passing down Lithuanian culture to future generations. Lidija Ringienė, a Chicago resident, spoke about the significance of teaching her children and grandchildren the Lithuanian language and traditions. “We all come together with one heart,” she said. “We are one culture. We want our children to inherit those feelings and carry them in their hearts.” Petras, a participant whose grandparents arrived in Chicago from Lithuania in 1949, described the festival as deeply personal. His parents and siblings had all participated in local dance groups, and now he continues the legacy. “This festival is so close to my heart,” he said. “Now I see my grandchildren here and my children here.” Dalia Grybauskaitė, who attended the event, praised the enthusiasm and dedication of the participants. “I see the love for our heritage, our songs and dances, and that sense of unity,” she said. “Most importantly, I see the determination to remain Lithuanian wherever you may live.” The festival featured performances from dance groups representing not only North America but also international communities. Patricia Kaunelis, an American who married a Lithuanian man, expressed deep emotional connections to the event. “My children are Lithuanian, half Lithuanian,” she said. “Now my son has married a Lithuanian woman, so my grandchildren will be three-quarters Lithuanian.” She added that if the trend continued, future generations could become fully Lithuanian. The event underscored the resilience of Lithuanian cultural identity among diaspora communities. As one attendee put it, “You can take a Lithuanian out of Lithuania, but you cannot take Lithuania out of a Lithuanian.” With over 7,000 people gathered in Chicago, the festival reaffirmed the strength of a shared heritage and the ongoing commitment to preserving it.