Spring in Neringa doesn’t begin on the calendar – it begins when the harbor of Nida fills with the scent of vimba, bonfire smoke, and the salty sea air. Only in Neringa does the launching of boats into the Curonian Lagoon mark the start of the “Žiobrinės” festival. Freshly caught vimba sizzles over open fires, and the greatest excitement builds during the fish fillet championship, where it’s decided who will earn the title of true master.

This year, the rhythm of the festival will be set by a special guest – Gian Luca Demarco. The Italy-born ambassador of cuisine brings not only his expertise, but also a philosophy in which food is an expression of the joy of life.

For him, cooking is a tradition passed down from generation to generation, and every dish is a story infused with the most wonderful aromas. This time, Gian Luca will not only host the festival, but also be one of those who decide in whose hands the perfect fish fillet is created.

FESTIVAL PROGRAM

April 24 (Friday)

The festival will begin symbolically with the launching of boats into the lagoon at Nida Harbor, marking the start of the summer navigation season.

12:00 PM – Creative Workshop for Children “My Aquarium”
Viktoras Miliūnas Public Library of Neringa Municipality
Pamario St. 53, Neringa

4:00 PM – Family Educational Activity “The Weather Vane’s Tail”
We invite you to discover the history of the Curonian Spit and the unique way of life in this land of sand and water. By exploring the weather vane as a cultural symbol, the enduring local fishing traditions—once the very foundation of life and survival here—are brought to life.

During the activity, participants will learn about the origins and significance of these weather vanes in everyday life and take part in a creative workshop: each participant will paint a wooden weather vane model with acrylic paints, creating a personal piece to take home as a souvenir.

Price: €5 per participant
Nida Fisherman’s Ethnographic Homestead
Naglių St. 4, Neringa

April 25 (Saturday) – Main Festival Day

10:00 AM – 8:00 PM – Folk Art, Culinary Heritage & Flavors Fair
Naglių Street, Nida

10:00 AM – “Žiobrinės Cup ’26” Doubles Tennis Tournament
Registration: +370 670 67448
Central courts of the Neringa Sports School
Pamario St. 13A, Nida

10:00 AM – 3:00 PM – Mini Golf
Neringa Sports School grounds
Lotmiškio St. 2, Neringa
Registration: www.neringasport.lt

10:30 AM – Guided Tour “Stories of Nida”
During the tour, you will explore the history of the Curonian Spit and the traditional way of life of local fishermen. Climbing the Parnidis Dune, you will enjoy panoramic views of Nida and get a closer look at the unique sun clock–calendar.

Starting point: Nida Culture and Tourism Information Centre “Agila”
Taikos Ave. 4, Neringa

Ticket price: €6
For school students, university students, and people with disabilities: €3
Tickets available at the Nida Tourism Information Centre
Taikos St. 4, Neringa

12:00 PM – Festival Opening at the Meadow by Nida Harbor

• Vimba grilling over an open fire with Saulius Neliupšis
• Fish smoking demonstration with Matas Matulis and Zolenas Lubys
• Fishermen’s fish soup by third-generation fishing family Bernadeta Kazlauskienė and Robertas Kazlauskas
• “Try on a fisherman’s life” experience with Karolis Tamulis
• The whole truth about fish with two fishermen – Jonas Dyglis and Remigijus Dailidė
• A visit with the dune keepers and songs by the folklore ensemble “Giedružė”
• Fluffy wool fish crafting with Sandra Matulienė
• Creation of dystopian smelt and rope art with educators from the Lithuanian Sea Museum
• A traditional afternoon snack with Jolanta Mitkutė (Pervalka) and Indrė Skablauskaite (Šilutė)
• Nature-inspired wellness with the “Esuva” club
• Curonian Spit children’s game “Meškeris” with Neringa Museums educator Edita Beržinskienė
• A second life for amber with Algirdas Marčius and Mindaugas Marčius
• “Connecting the Seas” – fish-themed T-shirt workshop with Jūratė Vaškienė
• Introduction to Interreg programme projects “NBWell” and “Light in the Dark”, creative workshops and a quiz
• Featuring performances by the folk music band “Joldija”, folk dance group “Kalnapušė”, and Neringa youth community “Parnidis”.

2:00 PM – FISH FILLET CHAMPIONSHIP
A meeting point of tradition, craftsmanship, and high eмоtions. Local fishermen will showcase their skills, while their work will be judged by well known chefs – Gian Luca Demarco, Deivydas Praspaliauskas, and Jaroslav Orševski.

5:00 PM – Lecture by Prof. Rimvydas Laužikas
“Fish Dishes in Historical Lithuanian Cuisine: from Vilnius to Lithuania Minor”

Free event. Advance registration required:
https://forms.gle/jYKiWFtSCwoTSSQ36

Nida Culture and Tourism Information Centre “Agila”
Taikos St. 4, Neringa

7:00 PM – Concert by Domantas Razauskas and Jonas Krivickas
Nida Culture and Tourism Information Centre “Agila”
Taikos St. 4, Neringa

Ticket price: €10
For school students, university students, seniors, and people with disabilities (with valid ID): €5

Tickets available via “Paysera Tickets” and at the Nida Tourism Information Centre (Taikos St. 4, Neringa)

April 26 (Sunday)

10:00 AM – 3:00 PM – Folk Art, Culinary Heritage & Flavors Fair
Naglių Street, Nida

12:00 PM – Guided Tour for Children “Dune Adventure”
During the tour, children will discover the unique way of life on the Curonian Spit and learn about the traditions and customs of this fishing region. Fun, interactive tasks await in specially designed activity booklets created just for this tour!

Ticket price: €6
For school students, university students, and people with disabilities: €3

Starting point:
Nida Culture and Tourism Information Centre “Agila”
Taikos Ave. 4, Neringa

Experience Neringa with all your senses – taste, hear, and see it. Here, every fisherman has a unique story, every wave its own rhythm, and every moment the flavor of a true celebration!

The organizers reserve the right to modify the event programme.

Please note that photography and filming will take place during the event, and the material may be published through the organizers’ communication channels.

Organisers:
Neringa Municipality
Nida Culture and Tourism Information Centre “Agila”

Partners:
Neringa Museums
Neringa Sports School
V. Miliūnas Public Library of Neringa Municipality
Lithuanian Sea Museum
Paslaugos Neringai

Sponsors: 
„Krinona“
„Spaisvilė“
„Minordija“

„Jokado“
„Manjana“
Caffee „Agila“ 
Restaurant „Amandus“
Meniu.lt
Hotel „Jūratė“
„Nidos Namai“

Media partner: 

DELFI.lt