The 11th North American Lithuanian Song Festival
From June 27 to 29, the 11th North American Lithuanian Song Festival, “One Family – One Nation,” took place in Cleveland, Ohio — the first festival of its kind after a decade-long break. The event brought together 1,500 Lithuanian singers from the United States, Canada, and other parts of the world, who performed in harmony. They were joined by 100 dancers and 2,000 attendees from the global Lithuanian community.
The Kazickas Family Foundation places great value on the Lithuanian diaspora, cultural heritage, and the preservation of Lithuanian traditions. For many years, the Foundation has supported North American Lithuanian Song and Dance Festivals. KFF Vilnius office director Domantė Howes attended this year’s celebration.
The first such festival outside Lithuania was held in Chicago in 1956, continuing a cherished interwar tradition and encouraging the Lithuanian community abroad to support the country’s fight for independence.
The Song Festival is recognized by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity and is included in the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Sincere thanks to the organizers, sponsors, and all Lithuanians around the world who helped bring this celebration to life!
