Ethnomusic and Traditional Crafts Courses in Kelmė

Each summer, Kelmė transforms into a living laboratory for exploring the traditions of Žemaitija (Samogitia), a region in northwestern Lithuania. Since 1988, the Ethnomusic and Traditional Crafts Courses—held across various locations throughout the town—have evolved into an initiative for safeguarding intangible cultural heritage, unmatched in Lithuania in its scope, experience, and popularity.

What began as workshops in kanklės (Lithuanian zither) playing and construction has evolved into a multifaceted event with a rich and varied program. Today, participants engage in traditional music-making on the kanklės, violin, accordion, bandonion, and shepherds’ instruments, alongside Samogitian singing and the chanting of kantičkos hymns. Kanklės-crafting workshops maintain their place of honor within the curriculum. Craft training delves into the nuances of weaving, garment sewing, wood carving, straw art, stone carving, jewelry making, and ceramics. In recent years, the audience has successfully expanded with the addition of modern folklore creative workshops to the program. Great importance is placed on both practical and theoretical cultural knowledge, featuring scholarly lectures, heritage discussions, and new publication launches.

The summer courses are supported by a wide network of organizers: folk masters, local and regional communities, creators of national heritage, scholars, and experts in ethnic culture. Over 36 years, approximately 11,000 participants of all ages have attended the courses, and around 300 lecturers, folk artists, and craftsmen have shared their knowledge. The impact is evident: Samogitian folklore ensembles significantly improve their performance skills here, and many participants—motivated by the spirit of the courses and their peers—have become researchers, folk artists, and practitioners of traditional crafts and folklore.

Submitted by Kelmė Culture Centre, Kelmė Branch of the Lithuanian Local Lore Society, 2025