Vilnius - An Intercultural City

Today, Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, is one of the most frequently visited cities of Eastern Europe.

The city draws attention not only because of its unique architectural character but also due to its cultural diversity.

Vilnius is home to people of different ethnic backgrounds.

According to the 2013 statistics, there are: Ethnic Lithuanians – 57.8%

Poles – 18.7%

Russians – 14%

Belarusians – 4%

Jews – 0.5%

Representatives of other ethnic backgrounds account for the remaining 5%.

Vilnius has always been a multi-national city yet the proportions of the largest national groups have varied.

Usually, the absolute majority of Vilnius population would be composed of representatives of 2 or 3 nationalities.In 1897, they were Jews and Poles.In 1931 - Poles and Jews.In 1942 - Poles and Lithuanians.

Throughout the Soviet years, representatives of three nationalities dominated in Vilnius: Lithuanians, Russians and Poles.

Today, meeting various cultures is becoming a part of everyday life in Vilnius.

Beside the Lithuanians our culture is also affected by immigrants, refugees and foreigners living in Vilnius for a long time.

Vilnius is inhabited by people of 128 different ethnicities which makes it the most ethnically diverse city in Lithuania.

Various events are organized by civil society organizations and cultural associations of individual nations and nationalities living in Vilnius.

The aim of these activities:

- to build intercultural

understanding

- to find a real modus of

cooperation

- to create the atmosphere and a

sense of security where different

cultures meet and communicate

with each other.

Among numerous activities with multicultural character the most popular ones are:

POLISH DAY which is on May 3rd. This is a celebration of Poland's constitution and a celebration of the Feast of St. Mary - Queen of Poland.

Russian cultural festival Christmas Evenings

Jewish culture festival

Culture Days of Lithuanian Tartars

Nations’ Fair

Vilnius, a capitalof diverse cultures ,is open to change but upholds cultural traditions.