--- title: Vilnius — English Wikipedia · full text with trees · page 3 description: Wikipedia's «Vilnius», whole, every sentence with its dependency tree and pragmatics, CC BY-SA 4.0. It begins: Vilnius (/ˈvɪlniəs/ VIL-nee-əs; ˈvʲɪlʲnʲʊs) is the capital of and largest city in Lithuania and the most-populous city in the Baltic states. --- [Mova](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/) · [this page in HTML](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/wikipedia/en/Vilnius/page/3/) [home](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/) / [corpora](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/) / [wikipedia](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/wikipedia/) / [en](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/wikipedia/en/) / Vilnius # Vilnius · page 3 From Wikipedia, [«Vilnius»](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vilnius), revision of the 2026-09-01 dump, [CC BY-SA 4.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). The trees and pragmatics of these pages, Mova's parse of that text, are CC BY-SA 4.0 too. [1](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/wikipedia/en/Vilnius/) [2](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/wikipedia/en/Vilnius/page/2/) **3** [4](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/wikipedia/en/Vilnius/page/4/) [5](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/wikipedia/en/Vilnius/page/5/) [6](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/wikipedia/en/Vilnius/page/6/) [7](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/wikipedia/en/Vilnius/page/7/) The [Lithuanian Academy of Music and Theatre](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lithuanian_Academy_of_Music_and_Theatre), headquartered on [Gediminas Avenue](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gediminas_Avenue), is also located at the [Slushko Palace](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slushko_Palace) in [Antakalnis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antakalnis).[193](../../193/ "tree and pragmatics") Singers who have lectured at the academy include [tenors](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tenor) [Kipras Petrauskas](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kipras_Petrauskas) and [Virgilijus Noreika](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virgilijus_Noreika).[\[105\]](../../page/7/#ref-105 "note 105")[194](../../194/ "tree and pragmatics") ### Theatre The Lithuanian Grand Dukes' entertainment at the castle, rulers' visits abroad and guests' meetings had theatrical elements.[195](../../195/ "tree and pragmatics") During [Sigismund III Vasa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sigismund_III_Vasa)'s residence in Vilnius in the early 17th century, English actors performed at the palace.[196](../../196/ "tree and pragmatics") Władysław IV Vasa established a professional opera theatre in the Lower Castle in 1635, where [drammas per musica](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dramma_per_musica) were performed by the Italian Virgilio Puccitelli.[197](../../197/ "tree and pragmatics") The performances had basic, luxurious scenography.[\[106\]](../../page/7/#ref-106 "note 106")[198](../../198/ "tree and pragmatics") A Jesuit School Theatre existed between the 16th and 18th centuries, with its first performance (Hercules by S. Tucci) in 1570 in Vilnius.[199](../../199/ "tree and pragmatics") Baroque aesthetics prevailed at the theatre, which also had [medieval](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Middle_Ages) retrospectives, Renaissance elements, [Rococo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rococo) motifs, and an educational function.[200](../../200/ "tree and pragmatics") Performances were in Latin, but elements of the Lithuanian language were included and some of the works had Lithuanian themes ([plays](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Play_%28theatre%29) dedicated to [Algirdas](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Algirdas), Mindaugas, Vytautas and other Lithuanian rulers).[\[107\]](../../page/7/#ref-107 "note 107")[\[108\]](../../page/7/#ref-108 "note 108")[201](../../201/ "tree and pragmatics") [Wojciech Bogusławski](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wojciech_Bogusławski) established Vilnius City Theatre, the city's first public theatre, in 1785.[202](../../202/ "tree and pragmatics") The theatre, initially in the Oskierka Palace, moved to the [Radziwiłł Palace](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radziwiłł_Palace,_Vilnius) and [Vilnius Town Hall](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Town_Hall,_Vilnius).[203](../../203/ "tree and pragmatics") Plays were performed in Polish until 1845, from 1845 to 1864 in Polish and Russian, and after 1864 in Russian.[204](../../204/ "tree and pragmatics") After the Lithuanian-language ban was lifted, plays were also performed in Lithuanian.[205](../../205/ "tree and pragmatics") The theatre closed in 1914.[\[109\]](../../page/7/#ref-109 "note 109")[206](../../206/ "tree and pragmatics") During the interwar period (when the city was part of Poland), Vilnius was known for the modern, experimental Reduta troupe and institute led by [Juliusz Osterwa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Juliusz_Osterwa).[\[110\]](../../page/7/#ref-110 "note 110")[207](../../207/ "tree and pragmatics") The Vilnius Lithuanian Stage Amateur Company (Vilniaus lietuvių scenos mėgėjų kuopa), established in 1930 and renamed Vilnius's Lithuanian Theatre, performed in the region.[208](../../208/ "tree and pragmatics") In 1945, it was merged with the [Lithuanian National Drama Theatre](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lithuanian_National_Drama_Theatre).[\[108\]](../../page/7/#ref-108 "note 108")[209](../../209/ "tree and pragmatics") After the Soviet occupation of Lithuania in 1940, theatre became a means of disseminating Soviet ideology.[210](../../210/ "tree and pragmatics") Performances incorporated socialist realism, and a number of [revolutionary](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russian_Revolution) plays by Russian authors were staged.[211](../../211/ "tree and pragmatics") A Repertory Commission was established under the Ministry of Culture to direct theatres, control repertoire, and permit (or ban) performances.[\[108\]](../../page/7/#ref-108 "note 108")[212](../../212/ "tree and pragmatics") Theatre changed after Lithuanian independence.[\[108\]](../../page/7/#ref-108 "note 108")[213](../../213/ "tree and pragmatics") The independent Vilnius City Opera blends classical and contemporary art.[214](../../214/ "tree and pragmatics") The Lithuanian National Drama Theatre, State Small Theatre of Vilnius, State Youth Theatre and a number of private theatre companies (including OKT/Vilnius City Theatre and the Anželika Cholina Dance Theatre) present classical, modern and Lithuanian plays directed by noted Lithuanian and foreign directors.[215](../../215/ "tree and pragmatics") There is also a Russian-language [Old Theatre of Vilnius](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_Theatre_of_Vilnius).[\[111\]](../../page/7/#ref-111 "note 111")[216](../../216/ "tree and pragmatics") ### Photography According to the memoirs of architect Bolesław Podczaszyński, published in January 1853 in the [Gazeta Warszawska](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gazeta_Warszawska), Lithuanian [photography](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Photography) began with the [daguerreotyping](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daguerreotype) in the summer of 1839 of the reconstructed [Verkiai Palace](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Verkiai_Palace) by François Marcillac (governor of the children of Duke [Ludwig Wittgenstein](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ludwig_zu_Sayn-Wittgenstein-Berleburg)).[\[112\]](../../page/7/#ref-112 "note 112")[217](../../217/ "tree and pragmatics") The country's unfavorable political situation hampered the development of new technology and cultural activities.[218](../../218/ "tree and pragmatics") The first known daguerreotype-portrait [atelier](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atelier) in Vilnius was opened in 1843 by C. Ziegler, and ateliers operated in Lithuania until 1859.[219](../../219/ "tree and pragmatics") One of the best-known photographers was K. Neupert, from [Norway](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norway) [corpus](../../../Norway/ "in our corpus").[\[112\]](../../page/7/#ref-112 "note 112")[220](../../220/ "tree and pragmatics") In the 1860s, with the spread of the [collodion process](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Collodion_process), [glass negatives](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Photographic_plate) and [albumen paper](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Albumen_paper) were used instead of daguerreotype plates.[221](../../221/ "tree and pragmatics") Photo portraits in standard formats became widespread, and commercial photography ateliers were established in Vilnius and other Lithuanian cities.[222](../../222/ "tree and pragmatics") The first landscape and architectural photographs were made by Vilnius photographers [Abdonas Korzonas](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lt:_Abdonas_Korzonas) and Albert Swieykowski, who compiled the 32-image Vilnius Album (Lithuania's first set of photographs).[223](../../223/ "tree and pragmatics") In 1862, Provisional Censorship Regulations governing the activities of photographic institutions were adopted in 1862, supervised by the Central Press Board of the Ministry of the Interior.[224](../../224/ "tree and pragmatics") Those who photographed the rebels in the [January Uprising](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/January_Uprising) were punished; A. Korzonas was deported to [Siberia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siberia).[225](../../225/ "tree and pragmatics") Other prominent 19th-century photographers were [Stanisław Filibert Fleury](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lt:Stanislovas_Filibertas_Fleris) (a [stereoscopic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stereoscopy)-photography pioneer),[\[113\]](../../page/7/#ref-113 "note 113") Aleksander Władysław Strauss, and [Józef Czechowicz](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lt:Juzefas_Čechavičius).[\[112\]](../../page/7/#ref-112 "note 112")[226](../../226/ "tree and pragmatics") The world's second [photoheliograph](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_telescope) was installed in 1865 at the [Vilnius University Astronomical Observatory](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vilnius_University_Astronomical_Observatory), and photographed [sunspots](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sunspot).[\[112\]](../../page/7/#ref-112 "note 112")[227](../../227/ "tree and pragmatics") An unprecedented system of photographing solar dynamics began in 1868 in Vilnius.[\[114\]](../../page/7/#ref-114 "note 114")[228](../../228/ "tree and pragmatics") [Jan Bułhak](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jan_Bułhak) founded the country's first photography club in Vilnius in 1927.[\[115\]](../../page/7/#ref-115 "note 115")[229](../../229/ "tree and pragmatics") In 1952, Švyturys magazine organized the city's first photography exhibition.[\[112\]](../../page/7/#ref-112 "note 112")[230](../../230/ "tree and pragmatics") ### Crafts Iron tools, weapons, [brass](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brass), [glass](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glass) and [silver](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silver) jewelry have been produced in present-day Lithuania since the first century.[\[116\]](../../page/7/#ref-116 "note 116")[231](../../231/ "tree and pragmatics") [Pottery](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pottery) wood products, and [weaving](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weaving) became widespread in the second and fourth centuries.[232](../../232/ "tree and pragmatics") During the [feudal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Feudalism) era, home [crafts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crafts) were components of a [subsistence economy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Subsistence_economy).[233](../../233/ "tree and pragmatics") During the 13th and 14th centuries, crafts became a branch of the economy separate from agriculture.[234](../../234/ "tree and pragmatics") The Grand Dukes of Lithuania promoted the development of crafts in cities, and weaving, shoemaking, fur-making and other crafts predominated.[235](../../235/ "tree and pragmatics") With the early-14th-century introduction of foreign artisans, the development of crafts accelerated; crafts and trade stimulated the growth of Vilnius and other Lithuanian cities.[236](../../236/ "tree and pragmatics") In the 14th and 15th centuries, crafts were specialized (especially the production of tools, household items, fabrics, clothing, weapons, and jewelry); [workshops](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Workshop) were established which trained and defended the interests of craftspeople.[237](../../237/ "tree and pragmatics") Production of fine [glassware](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glassware) began, [goldsmithing](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goldsmithing) was developed, and the level of pottery and weaving rose during the 16th century, and the 1529 and 1588 Statutes of Lithuania identify 25 crafts.[\[116\]](../../page/7/#ref-116 "note 116")[238](../../238/ "tree and pragmatics") European goldsmiths worked in the [Vilnius Goldsmiths' Workshop](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vilnius_Goldsmiths%27_Workshop) (established in 1495), which controlled trade in [precious metals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Precious_metal) and [gemstones](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gemstone) and served the [Daugava](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daugava) and [Dnieper](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dnieper) regions, the [Catholic Church](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catholic_Church_in_Lithuania), the Grand Duke, the [nobility](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Szlachta), and townspeople.[\[117\]](../../page/7/#ref-117 "note 117")[239](../../239/ "tree and pragmatics") The [Vilnius Mint](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vilnius_Mint), the main [mint](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mint_%28facility%29) of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, minted the Lithuanian [denarius](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Denarius), [shillings](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shilling), [groschen](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Groschen), [thalers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thaler), [ducats](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ducat), and other coins from 1387 to 1666.[\[118\]](../../page/7/#ref-118 "note 118")[240](../../240/ "tree and pragmatics") Crafting declined in the second half of the 17th century due to the [Russo-Polish War](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russo-Polish_War_%281654–1667%29), and most goods were imported and sold by Lithuanian and Polish nobles.[241](../../241/ "tree and pragmatics") It revived from the second half of the 18th century to the first half of the 19th century, with Vilnius the largest Lithuanian craft center.[242](../../242/ "tree and pragmatics") After the abolition of [serfdom](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serfdom), craft schools were established in Lithuanian cities; crafts have prevailed in [clothing](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clothing) manufacturing, goldsmithing, woodworking, food processing, and other fields.[243](../../243/ "tree and pragmatics") Under Soviet occupation, craftspeople worked in [artels](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Artel) until 1960 and then in [combines](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Combine_%28enterprise%29).[244](../../244/ "tree and pragmatics") After independence, crafts were produced by small and medium-sized businesses.[\[116\]](../../page/7/#ref-116 "note 116")[245](../../245/ "tree and pragmatics") ### Language See also: [Demographic history of Vilnius § Historic ethnic makeup](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demographic_history_of_Vilnius#Historic_ethnic_makeup), [Lithuanian language](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lithuanian_language) A [multicultural](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multiculturalism) city, Vilnius's language changed over the centuries.[246](../../246/ "tree and pragmatics") The predominant spoken language in [medieval](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medieval) Lithuania was Lithuanian.[247](../../247/ "tree and pragmatics") It had no literary tradition, however, and was not used in writing except for religious texts such as the [Lord's Prayer](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lord%27s_Prayer) and the [Hail Mary](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hail_Mary).[\[119\]](../../page/7/#ref-119 "note 119")[\[83\]](../../page/7/#ref-83 "note 83")[248](../../248/ "tree and pragmatics") [Vytautas](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vytautas) the Great spoke in Lithuanian with [Jogaila](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Władysław_II_Jagiełło), whose son [Casimir IV Jagiellon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Casimir_IV_Jagiellon) also spoke Lithuanian.[\[120\]](../../page/7/#ref-120 "note 120")[\[121\]](../../page/7/#ref-121 "note 121")[\[122\]](../../page/7/#ref-122 "note 122")[249](../../249/ "tree and pragmatics") [Saint Casimir](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Casimir), the patron saint of Lithuania, knew Lithuanian, Polish, German and Latin.[\[123\]](../../page/7/#ref-123 "note 123")[250](../../250/ "tree and pragmatics") Fifteenth-century [Byzantine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Byzantine_Empire) historian [Laonikos Chalkokondyles](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laonikos_Chalkokondyles) reported that the [Lithuanians](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lithuanians) had a distinct language.[\[124\]](../../page/7/#ref-124 "note 124")[251](../../251/ "tree and pragmatics") In the 15th to 18th centuries, the most common theory was that the Lithuanians hailed from the [Roman people](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_people) and the similarity of the Lithuanian language to [Latin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Latin) was emphasized.[\[125\]](../../page/7/#ref-125 "note 125")[252](../../252/ "tree and pragmatics") [Ruthenian](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruthenian_language) was used after the incorporation of [Kievan Rus'](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kievan_Rus%27), forming the basis of 19th-century Ukrainian and [Belarusian](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belarusian_language).[253](../../253/ "tree and pragmatics") Written Ruthenian stemmed from the interaction of [Church Slavonic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Church_Slavonic) and [Old East Slavic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_East_Slavic) with Ruthenian dialects, becoming the main language of the [chancery](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chancery_%28medieval_office%29) of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania in the 14th and 15th centuries and maintained its dominance until the mid-17th century.[\[119\]](../../page/7/#ref-119 "note 119")[\[126\]](../../page/7/#ref-126 "note 126")[254](../../254/ "tree and pragmatics") Latin and [Polish](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polish_language) were also widely used in the chancery; Polish replaced Ruthenian in written sources and Lithuanian in public use during the second half of the 17th century.[255](../../255/ "tree and pragmatics") The first state documents in Lithuanian appeared in the Grand Duchy of Lithuania at the end of its existence.[\[119\]](../../page/7/#ref-119 "note 119")[256](../../256/ "tree and pragmatics") At the Vilnius court of [Sigismund II Augustus](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sigismund_II_Augustus), the last Grand Duke of Lithuania before the [Union of Lublin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Union_of_Lublin), Polish and Lithuanian were spoken.[\[127\]](../../page/7/#ref-127 "note 127")[257](../../257/ "tree and pragmatics") In 1552, Sigismund ordered that orders from the Magistrate of Vilnius be announced in Lithuanian, Polish, and Ruthenian.[\[128\]](../../page/7/#ref-128 "note 128")[258](../../258/ "tree and pragmatics") Minorities such as [Jews](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Litvaks), [Lipka Tatars](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lipka_Tatars), and [Crimean Karaites](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crimean_Karaites) were ruled by the Grand Duke of Lithuania, and their languages were only used among themselves.[\[129\]](../../page/7/#ref-129 "note 129")[259](../../259/ "tree and pragmatics") According to Article 14 of the Lithuanian constitution, Lithuanian is the [official language](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Official_language); however, [interpreter](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interpreter) assistance is sometimes provided.[\[130\]](../../page/7/#ref-130 "note 130")[260](../../260/ "tree and pragmatics") ### Fashion According to historian [Antanas Čaplinskas](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antanas_Čaplinskas), wives of merchants and craftsmen wore rings decorated with gemstones.[261](../../261/ "tree and pragmatics") Sixteenth- and seventeenth-century property inventories list long, wide-sleeved jackets (known as [kontuszy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kontusz)), [żupany](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Żupan) decorated with fur, and [kontusz belts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pas_kontuszowy).[\[131\]](../../page/7/#ref-131 "note 131")[262](../../262/ "tree and pragmatics") [Buttons](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Button), made of [pearl](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pearl), [coral](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coral), [brilliant-cut diamonds](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brilliant_%28diamond_cut%29) and [emeralds](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emerald), were decorated with diamonds and enamel.[\[131\]](../../page/7/#ref-131 "note 131")[263](../../263/ "tree and pragmatics") [Delias](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Delia_%28clothing%29) and [dolmans](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dolman) were popular with townspeople and nobles.[\[132\]](../../page/7/#ref-132 "note 132")[264](../../264/ "tree and pragmatics") Wealthy townspeople in luxurious clothing aroused the envy of Lithuanian nobility, who demanded laws regulating attire.[265](../../265/ "tree and pragmatics") The 1588 Statute of Lithuania limited townspeople to two rings, and Jews could not wear gold chains and [brooches](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brooch).[\[131\]](../../page/7/#ref-131 "note 131")[266](../../266/ "tree and pragmatics") Broader restrictions were imposed by the [Sejm of the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sejm_of_the_Polish–Lithuanian_Commonwealth), which adopted the 1613 Act of Thrift forbidding non-noble townspeople from wearing expensive furs in public.[\[131\]](../../page/7/#ref-131 "note 131")[267](../../267/ "tree and pragmatics") Payment of a fee later removed the limitations.[\[131\]](../../page/7/#ref-131 "note 131")[268](../../268/ "tree and pragmatics") During the late 18th century, almost all men shaved; their hair was short, and they wore open-front blue, green or black [tailcoats](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tailcoat) and [waistcoats](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waistcoat) with white or light-yellow trousers;[\[132\]](../../page/7/#ref-132 "note 132") women's clothing echoed West European styles.[269](../../269/ "tree and pragmatics") In the early 20th century, clothing followed West European fashion trends.[270](../../270/ "tree and pragmatics") The [State Art Institute of Lithuania](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/State_Art_Institute_of_Lithuania) introduced clothing-design studies, and the Vilnius Model House (popularizing apparel and footwear) was established in 1961.[\[133\]](../../page/7/#ref-133 "note 133")[271](../../271/ "tree and pragmatics") The annual Vilnius spring Mados infekcija (Fashion Infection), Lithuania's largest [fashion show](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fashion_show), began in 1999.[\[134\]](../../page/7/#ref-134 "note 134")[272](../../272/ "tree and pragmatics") Lithuanian clothing designer [Juozas Statkevičius](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lt:Juozas_Statkevičius) usually presents his shows in the city.[\[135\]](../../page/7/#ref-135 "note 135")[273](../../273/ "tree and pragmatics") ### Holidays and festivals Catholic holidays such as [Christmas](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christmas), [Easter](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Easter), and [Saint John's Eve](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_John%27s_Eve)) are widely celebrated.[\[136\]](../../page/7/#ref-136 "note 136")[274](../../274/ "tree and pragmatics") On 16 February (anniversary of the Act of Independence of Lithuania) and 11 March (anniversary of the [Act of the Re-Establishment of the State of Lithuania](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Act_of_the_Re-Establishment_of_the_State_of_Lithuania)), festive and religious events take place in Vilnius.[\[137\]](../../page/7/#ref-137 "note 137")[\[138\]](../../page/7/#ref-138 "note 138")[275](../../275/ "tree and pragmatics") On the evening of 12 January, bonfires are lit to commemorate the January Events.[\[139\]](../../page/7/#ref-139 "note 139")[276](../../276/ "tree and pragmatics") [Kaziuko mugė](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaziuko_mugė) ([Saint Casimir](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Casimir)'s Fair), held annually in the city's markets and streets on the Sunday nearest to 4 March (the feast of Saint Casimir), attracts many visitors and Lithuanian and foreign craftspeople.[277](../../277/ "tree and pragmatics") [Easter palms](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Easter_palm) (Verbos) are symbolic of the fair.[\[140\]](../../page/7/#ref-140 "note 140")[278](../../278/ "tree and pragmatics") Capital Days (Sostinės dienos), Vilnius's largest festival of music and culture, is held from 30 August to 1 September.[\[141\]](../../page/7/#ref-141 "note 141")[279](../../279/ "tree and pragmatics") The river Vilnia is dyed green every year for [Saint Patrick's Day](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Patrick%27s_Day).[\[142\]](../../page/7/#ref-142 "note 142")[280](../../280/ "tree and pragmatics") During the annual [Vilnius Culture Night](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vilnius_Culture_Night), artists and cultural organisations hold events and performances throughout the city.[\[143\]](../../page/7/#ref-143 "note 143")[281](../../281/ "tree and pragmatics") Since 2023, the [Vilnius Pink Soup Fest](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vilnius_Pink_Soup_Fest) is organised annually to celebrate the cold beetroot soup [šaltibarščiai](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Šaltibarščiai).[\[144\]](../../page/7/#ref-144 "note 144")[282](../../282/ "tree and pragmatics") ## Administration ### Government See also: [Voivode of Vilnius](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Voivode_of_Vilnius), [Mayor of Vilnius](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mayor_of_Vilnius) Before [Magdeburg rights](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magdeburg_rights) were granted to Vilnius in 1378, the city was ruled by [vicegerents](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vicegerent).[283](../../283/ "tree and pragmatics") Government was later granted to a magistrate or a city council, subordinate to the ruler.[284](../../284/ "tree and pragmatics") In wartime, it was led by a [voivode](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Voivode_of_Vilnius).[\[145\]](../../page/7/#ref-145 "note 145")[285](../../285/ "tree and pragmatics") The government headquarters was at Vilnius Town Hall.[\[146\]](../../page/7/#ref-146 "note 146")[286](../../286/ "tree and pragmatics") The magistrate was responsible for the city's economy: collecting taxes, overseeing the treasury, and accumulating stocks of grain to avoid starvation during famine or wars.[287](../../287/ "tree and pragmatics") He was a [notary](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Notary) in transactions and testaments, a [judge](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judge) in conflicts involving construction and renovation, and took care of craftspeople; statutes involving workshops were approved by the ruler, but Sigismund II Augustus gave this responsibility to magistrates in 1552.[288](../../288/ "tree and pragmatics") Since a 1522 ruling by Sigismund I the Old, Vilnius magistrates had to protect the city and its residents with 24 armed guards.[289](../../289/ "tree and pragmatics") During wartime, the night watch was conducted by the magistrate, bishop and castle men.[\[145\]](../../page/7/#ref-145 "note 145")[\[147\]](../../page/7/#ref-147 "note 147")[290](../../290/ "tree and pragmatics") The chief city administrator was a Catholic vaitas (a vicegerent of the Grand Duke of Lithuania),[\[148\]](../../page/7/#ref-148 "note 148") most of whom were beginning their careers in the magistracy, and chaired city-council meetings.[291](../../291/ "tree and pragmatics") He adjudicated [criminal cases](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Criminal_case), with the right to impose capital punishment.[292](../../292/ "tree and pragmatics") Originally examining cases alone, two suolininkai also began examining important cases in the 16th century.[293](../../293/ "tree and pragmatics") At that time, the city council consisted of 12 [burgomasters](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burgomaster) and 24 councilors; half were Catholics, the other half [Orthodox](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orthodoxy)).[294](../../294/ "tree and pragmatics") Members were chosen by wealthy townspeople, merchants, and workshop elders.[295](../../295/ "tree and pragmatics") Burgomasters were lifetime appointments; at death, another member of the council with the same religion was chosen.[296](../../296/ "tree and pragmatics") In 1536, Sigismund I the Old signed an edict prohibiting close relatives on the council and requiring prior agreement by the townspeople of new taxes, obligations and regulations.[\[145\]](../../page/7/#ref-145 "note 145")[297](../../297/ "tree and pragmatics") Under the Russian Empire, the city council was replaced with a [city duma](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/City_duma).[\[149\]](../../page/7/#ref-149 "note 149")[298](../../298/ "tree and pragmatics") Vilnius was the capital of the [Lithuania Governorate](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lithuania_Governorate) from 1797 to 1801, the [Vilna Governorate-General](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vilna_Governorate-General) from 1794 to 1912, and the [Vilna Governorate](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vilna_Governorate) from 1795 to 1915.[\[150\]](../../page/7/#ref-150 "note 150")[\[151\]](../../page/7/#ref-151 "note 151")[299](../../299/ "tree and pragmatics") After the [Soviet occupation of Lithuania](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soviet_occupation_of_Lithuania), Vilnius was the capital of the [Lithuanian Soviet Socialist Republic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lithuanian_Soviet_Socialist_Republic).[\[149\]](../../page/7/#ref-149 "note 149")[300](../../300/ "tree and pragmatics") #### Vilnius City Municipality The Vilnius City Municipality is the representative self-government organ, one of 60 [municipalities of Lithuania](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Municipalities_of_Lithuania).[301](../../301/ "tree and pragmatics") In addition to Vilnius proper, it includes the town of [Grigiškės](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grigiškės), as well as the villages and rural areas of the [Grigiškės eldership](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grigiškės_eldership).[302](../../302/ "tree and pragmatics") [1](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/wikipedia/en/Vilnius/) [2](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/wikipedia/en/Vilnius/page/2/) **3** [4](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/wikipedia/en/Vilnius/page/4/) [5](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/wikipedia/en/Vilnius/page/5/) [6](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/wikipedia/en/Vilnius/page/6/) [7](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/wikipedia/en/Vilnius/page/7/) - ← previous: [page 2](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/wikipedia/en/Vilnius/page/2/) - next →: [page 4](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/wikipedia/en/Vilnius/page/4/) - ↑ back to [English Wikipedia](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/wikipedia/en/)