NEXT TO THE SOURCE OF THE MINERAL WATER

The tourism information centre of Birštonas organised an event "Next to the Sources of the Mineral Water" to mark World Tourism Day and the 130th anniversary of the mineral water spring "Vytautas". During the event the golden age of the resort of Birštonas, i.e. the interwar period, was discussed. At that time, Birštonas was the only healing resort in Lithuania, which was situated only 40 km from Kaunas, the former interim capital of Lithuania. President Antanas Smetona and his wife as well as famous opera soloists, writers, composers and artists used to visit the resort.
The Tourism Information Centre of Birštonas encouraged the contemporary community to dress in retro style clothes, listen to a war orchestra, which once played in Vytautas Park, remember the symbol of the resort – the Whale sculptor revived in the emblem of the town, and wander along the alleys of the "lost" resort…

During the first part of the event all the participants were invited to explore the factory adhering to the oldest traditions, the pouring of the water:

It was followed by a programme for the smallest participants of the event. Children were familiarised with the history of the legend sculpture of the Whale, "Fairy Tales of the Kingdom of Birštonas" by Sofija Liorančienė, "The Baby Whale" created by the artist Lolita Medelytė, which became the symbol of the puzzle of Birštonas, its flags, souvenir cups and t-shirts. Children performed their own songs devoted to the Baby Whale.

During the second part of the event the guests listened to various melodies performed by the orchestra, wandered around the gallery which was situated under the open sky, got acquainted with the latest issue, observe the place of the legendary sculpture of the Baby Whale, acquired postcards of the Baby Whale, found the Love Alley and the Bench of Dreams, signed the open letter asking to restore the history of Birštonas…

We express our gratitude to Dalė Lazauskienė and Stasė Asipavičienė for the photos of the event.