The Vilnius Pink Soup Festival is back for the third time next month and will take place on May 31, 2025. Last year, over 42,000 people joined the fun, and this year’s event promises to be even bigger and better, mixing classic traditions with exciting new features.
The annual extravaganza will once again sweep over the Lithuanian capital when the vibrant Vilnius Pink Soup Fest returns, turning the city into one big pink celebration.
The hotly-anticipated festival pays homage to Lithuania’s beloved cold pink soup šaltibarščiai (pronounced shul-tee-BAR-shay). Previously, Taste Atlas ranked šaltibarščiai as the world’s best cold soup, affirming its place as a culinary icon. Last year, a friendly rivalry between Lithuanians and Latvians over the soup’s ownership even inspired a Latvian rap song. Vilnius responded quickly and light-heartedly with its own song.
The refreshing smell of šaltibarščiai is associated with warm spring and summer days for many Lithuanians–and the Vilnius Pink Soup Festival will mark the official start of the summer season in the city.
With a top programme of treats and immersive experiences for locals as well as visitors from around the world. It’s going to be a feast for the senses and a day to remember.
What’s the deal with Pink Soup?
Dating back to at least the 18th century, šaltibarščiai (Lithuanian cold pink soup) traditionally includes beetroot, cucumber, fresh dill, eggs, and kefir, served cold with hot potatoes on the side. Although the cold pink soup is easy to throw together, the complexity of its savoury taste makes everyday ingredients burst into life in a whole new way. With its vibrant pink colour, it’s a refreshing summer favourite and a fun way for visitors to experience Lithuanian cuisine.
New for 2025: Here comes the Pink Parade
This year, revellers are encouraged to really get into the spirit of the festival and dress up in fun, pink outfits or creative pink soup-themed costumes to join the parade…the more flamboyant, the better! The spectacle will wind its way through the city, starting at Gedimino Street and finishing at the main event spot.
Fun on the slides
Slide down the scenic, 50-meter-long pink slide at Bastion Hill, or let the kids enjoy their own slide into a giant inflatable bowl filled with pink soup fun!
Pink Waiters’ Marathon
Inspired by Parisian coffee runs and Munich’s beer-carrying contests, our popular Pink Waiters’ Marathon is back. Watch waiters and bartenders race through town, balancing bowls of pink soup, aiming to finish fast without spilling a drop. Expect hilarious costumes and lots of laughs!
Costume competition
Show off your creativity in the soup-inspired costume contest and win great prizes!
Food court & Pink Soup Day at local restaurants
Throughout the festival, the city’s restaurants will be serving up some great cuisine. Expect creative twists on pink soup, from cool cocktails to delicious desserts – if it’s pink, it’s there!
The festival also offers a unique opportunity to explore the city’s growing gastronomic scene beyond the cold pink soup. Visitors will be able to attend creative workshops, listen to live music performances, and take part in plenty of family-friendly events.
