We were starting to get a tad worried she might not show up this year, but summer, at least on the calendar, has finally begun, and it’s undeniably changing everyone’s routines. Of course, those who have dogs – who don’t care if it’s raining, snowing, or if the sky is falling – will chuckle at that. But let’s just say, city festival organisers know exactly what we’re talking about.
One thing’s for sure – good weather encourages us to spend more time outside. Partly because of this, Kaunas, and indeed all of Lithuania, will be celebrating Outdoor Office Day for the first time this year. On June 12th, everyone is encouraged to swap their office desk for… well, a park bench or a picnic blanket in the nearest green spot.
Culture, too, traditionally ventures outdoors. “Vasaros Olimpas”, “Oldman”, “Laukas”, and other musical hotspots in Kaunas are already plastering the city with schedules for open-air concerts. And “Romuva” cinema kicked off its open-air film season in the final days of spring. Indeed, the courtyard of the drama theatre, nestled between Kęstučio Street and Laisvės Alėja, is a wonderful spot for any cultural happening. We fondly remember the art gallery and concert space that once thrived there. Perhaps one day again?
We’re inviting you to culturally picnic (and go on a safari of sorts!) not just while reading this issue of the magazine, but throughout the entire summer and into early autumn. So, there’ll be no shortage of inspiration this time. We’re starting with some of the most fascinating finds related to this theme from the archives of Lithuanian museums. We’ve also quizzed friends and passers-by on the streets about their most treasured picnic spots in Kaunas.
We chat with food scientist Paulina Štreimikytė about whether food really does taste better outdoors. Artūras Naidenko, one of Kaunas’s most inventive chefs, gives us a peek into the kitchen of his “uoksas” (tree hollow – referring to his playful restaurant concept). Another hero of this issue, whom we can truly call a food artist, is Jonas Palekas. You’ll surely be bumping into him often in Kaunas this summer, and his ideas will fully bloom in the autumn at the contemporary city festival “Audra”.
But is every trip outdoors already a picnic? Well, it just takes a little effort. Not everything has to be defined and sanctioned – at least, that’s the view of Julija Račiūnaitė, who returns to our pages with her characteristically witty and insightful artistic research. And to round things off, a heart-warming read about Kaunas seniors who picnic every Monday.
Enjoy your food and your experiences. In June, and for the rest of the summer.
