Last weekend, Kaunas celebrated its 617th birthday, filling the streets with life, light, music, and a deep sense of community. I recently started my internship as a photographer at a local news portal, and I had the opportunity to photograph this three-day celebration from behind the scenes — and right in the middle of the action.
I already shared some moments from the first day, including the Long Table Dinner in the Old Town and the light installations along the riverbank. If you missed that post, you can check it out here.
Now, let’s dive into another part of this vibrant celebration — the part where Kaunas turns into a living history museum, a family park, and a street performer’s dream. Welcome to Hansa Days and Saturday street life.
What Are Hansa Days?
Hansa Days are a unique part of Kaunas’ birthday celebration. They’re inspired by the city’s medieval past, when Kaunas was a member of the Hanseatic League, a network of European cities engaged in trade and cultural exchange during the Middle Ages. This annual event honors that history with a full-blown medieval fair in the heart of the city.
It’s not just a gimmick. It’s a deep cultural event that attracts artisans, reenactors, historians, and curious families who want to step into a different century — even just for an afternoon.
A Medieval Fair in the City Center
On Saturday, the streets near the Old Town were taken over by knights, noblewomen, musicians, blacksmiths, merchants, and more. It felt like walking through time. People wore authentic medieval costumes — some simple, some incredibly detailed — and stalls were filled with handmade goods: leather bags, linen shirts, ironworks, wooden toys, herbal soaps.
There were also knightly tournaments, where armored warriors fought each other with swords in thrilling one-on-one battles. These duels took place in front of a crowd gathered in an outdoor amphitheater, with spectators cheering and watching intently as the knights clashed in a show of strength, skill, and tradition.
Entertainment
Beyond the medieval zone, the rest of Kaunas was alive with family-friendly entertainment.
There were large inflatable water bubbles where kids could climb inside and run or tumble across the surface of the water like playful hamsters. Children also had the chance to ride a mechanical bull — trying to hold on and balance as it bucked and spun, causing bursts of laughter from both riders and onlookers. And everywhere you turned, there were dogs — big and small, dressed up or lounging in the grass — adding even more joy and warmth to the already lively atmosphere.
There was also a strongman competition, where participants lifted heavy objects like air conditioners and other unconventional weights, showing off their incredible strength. Nearby, a vintage car exhibition displayed beautifully preserved old vehicles, drawing in both enthusiasts and curious passersby alike.
Moments in Motion
Throughout the day, I was running back and forth — taking photos, returning to the newsroom to edit and upload, then running back out into the city. It’s a fast-paced job, and I’m still learning how to handle it all.
I walked over 17 kilometers that day, but the energy in the air helped carry me forward. This wasn’t just an event — it was a celebration of culture, art, and public joy. I tried to reflect that in my photographs.
And while I’m proud of the shots I got, I also saw where I need to grow: I need to work on photographing faces, emotions, portraits. Getting close without disturbing the moment — that’s a skill I’m still developing.
In the next post, I’ll share the final part of Kaunas' birthday — the concerts, crowds, and the magic of sound and light as the city partied deep into the night.