A double celebration in Nemunaitis: 400 Years of the Parish and a BSR Cultural Pearls Award of the Alytus District

On June 7, the town of Nemunaitis marked a special occasion with a double celebration: the parish celebrated its 400th anniversary, and the Alytus District Municipality was honoured with the prestigious title of BSR Cultural Pearl 2025.

The event was attended by local residents, municipal leaders, church officials, and representatives of the BSR Cultural Pearls project.

The day began with a solemn Holy Mass at the Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Nemunaitis, celebrated by Bishop Jonas Ivanauskas of Kaišiadorys.

After the Mass, a festive procession led by the Land Forces Orchestra made its way from the church to the town square, where the BSR Cultural Pearl 2025 award ceremony took place.

“It is a great honour for me to be here today and to congratulate Alytus District as the 2025 Cultural Pearl of the Baltic Sea Region. The Cultural Pearls initiative helps cities build strong communities through culture. Why? Because culture unites us – and together we are stronger. The title of Cultural Pearl is recognition of an international jury of the well-thought-out plans prepared by the municipality and the potential to make a positive impact. Jury particularly highlighted the Alytus District’s initiative to unite communities from different parishes and reduce social exclusion through events, the creation of a community choir, and the fostering of a common local heritage,” in his congratulation speech highlighted said Kazimierz Musiał, Senior Adviser, Regional Identity at Council of the Baltic Sea States Secretariat, lead partner of the BSR Cultural Pearls project.

The award was received by the Mayor of Alytus District Ms Rasa Vitkauskienė.

Photo: Lukas Baltuškonis