St. Bartholomew’s fair
In the eve of the 24th of August, 1495, which is now the well known St. Bartholomew‘s day, the grand duke Alexander acknowledged the statute of the first Vilnius guild. The guild of goldsmiths was the first to be given the privilege of sovereign. Since then, the 24th of August is one of the most important days for the Vilnius craftsmen that is why the biggest feasts were held during this day which is called the St. Bartholomew’s day.
It is already the fifth year when St. Bartholomew’s fair is revived in Vilnius by organizing a festive event of Renaissance crafts, arts and guild traditions.
23rd of August, Friday:
11.00 - 21.00 The beginning of the craftsmen fair.
12.00 Festive walk of craftsmen with the flags of Vilnius guilds. It will start at “Aušra” gates and continue in Vokiečių, Dominikonų, St. Jonų, Pilies, Didžioji streets which will finish at the City Hall square.
12.30 The opening ceremony of the St. Bartholomew’s fair.
13.00 The European medieval music of the 15th century. The antique music band “Ambera”.
13.30 Performance of a medieval jester „Le Artist“.
14.00 Presentation of the crafts.
15.00 Presentation of the 17 century soldiership. The brotherhood “Medieval messengers”.
16.00 Performance of a medieval jester „Le Artist“.
17.00 The dances of the 15th century of the Western Europe. The troupe of the antique dances “Medieval messenger”. Dancing lessons.
18.00 . Craft competitions and medieval games.
19.00 Performance of a medieval jester „Le Artist“.
20.00 . The antique music band „Remdih“ (Czech Republic). The European medieval music of the 13th-16th centuries.
24th of August, Saturday:
11.00 - 21.00 The beginning of the craftsmen fair.
12.00 Performance of a medieval jester „Le Artist“.
13.00 Craft competitions and medieval games.
14.00 The troupe of the antique dances „Festa Cortese“ and antique music band „Remdih“ (Czech Republic). „French branlies of the 16th century“. Director A. Žutautaitė.
14.30 Performance of a medieval jester „Le Artist“.
15.00 Presentation of the crafts.
16.00 Vilnius theatre “Lėlė“ performance „Cat in the boots“. Director – Algirdas Mikutis.
17.00 Presentation of the Renaissance costumes.
18.00 The troupe of the antique dances „Festa Cortese“ and antique music band „Remdih“ (Czech Republic). Medieval dances. Director A. Žutautaitė. Dancing lessons.
19.00 Performance of a medieval jester „Le Artist“.
20.00 The antique music band „Remdih“ (Czech Republic). The European medieval music of the 13th-16th centuries.
During the fair the demonstrations and lessons of different crafts will be held. The craftsmen taking part are goldsmiths, sewers, weavers, shoemakers, tanners, woodworkers, hoopers, potters, stained-glass masters, blacksmiths, experts of the ancient medicine, food making, candle moulding, soap making, brewers and others. The executioners will be working in the City Hall square, the "box-type" performances will be given.
More information: www.amatugildija.lt