The Pink Soup Festival in Vilnius: A Delightful Experience You Can't Miss

Introduction to the Pink Soup Festival

Every year at the end of May, the capital city of Vilnius, Lithuania transforms into a sea of pink for the Pink Soup Festival, celebrating the renowned cold soup known as šaltibarščiai. This delightful dish, originating from the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, is made from beets, cucumbers, dill, and kefir, and is best served chilled alongside boiled potatoes.

For the people of Lithuania, the first bowl of šaltibarščiai marks the arrival of summer. With its refreshing qualities, this soup is the perfect remedy for hot days, and its vibrant pink color enhances the summer atmosphere.

Exciting Activities at the Festival

The humble pink soup is celebrated through various activities such as parades, foam sliding, costume contests, concerts, fun runs, and plenty of other pink-themed events. After attracting nearly 100,000 visitors in 2025, the city government decided to expand the festival to three days, emphasizing the health benefits of the main ingredients in šaltibarščiai – probiotic kefir and antioxidant-rich beets.

The highlight of the festival is the Pink Soup Parade, featuring dancers, marching bands, and servers carrying bowls of pink soup as they run through the streets. In fact, the festive atmosphere spreads throughout the city during the entire event.

Experience the Festive Atmosphere

Eglė Girdzijauskaitė, Communications Director at Go Vilnius, shared: “This is a joyful time of year when people flood the streets and green spaces of the city until late at night.” The light-hearted and unique activities of the festival reflect the season's spirit and the cheerful, welcoming nature of Vilnius residents.

Useful Information for Vietnamese Travelers

If you're planning to visit Vilnius during the festival, be ready to dive into a world of exciting activities from the moment you arrive. Even the city’s airport and train station are adorned with colorful decorations. Notably, in 2026, there will be a special train called the Pink Soup Train running from Poland to the festival, designed with inspiration from šaltibarščiai, operating until August 30.

The cost for a bowl of šaltibarščiai ranges from 150,000 to 200,000 VND, while train tickets from Poland are typically around 500,000 VND. Don’t forget to check visa requirements if you plan to visit Lithuania, as Vietnamese citizens need to apply for a Schengen visa.

Summer in Vilnius is perfect for sightseeing and festival fun, with average temperatures around 20-25 degrees Celsius. Besides the Pink Soup Festival, the city also hosts many other engaging cultural activities, such as exploring historical landmarks, tasting local cuisine, and enjoying the surrounding nature.

With all these exciting offerings, the Pink Soup Festival in Vilnius promises to provide you with unforgettable experiences!

Article referenced and edited from: Wanderlust Magazine