On May 31, Vilnius turns pink – not with blushing brides or cherry blossoms, but with cold beetroot soup. Yes, you read that right. The Vilnius Pink Soup Festival is returning to the capital, and it’s more vibrant, delicious, and fabulously weird than ever before. Think thousands of people dressed in pink, walking 10.5 kilometers through the city, collecting cucumbers as they go. Welcome to Lithuania’s most delightfully eccentric celebration.
Pink Soup, Please: A Walk With a Taste of Fun
For the third year running, Vilnius embraces the absurd joy of celebrating its most iconic summer dish – šaltibarščiai. But this year, the festival levels up. The debut of the IKI Pink Soup Walk adds a new dimension – fashion meets fitness, meets… pickled beets?
Participants are encouraged to wear pink-themed outfits, accessorize to the max, and strut through Vilnius like it’s a Fashion Week catwalk. But this isn’t just for show – the more steps you take, the more soup ingredients you earn. That’s right. Your footsteps are worth food. Welcome to the world’s first walking-for-cucumbers event.
A Festival Beyond the Bowl
Yes, it’s about soup. But no, it’s not just about soup. This is a celebration of togetherness, wellness, and Lithuanian flair. Last year, the festival broke two national records – for the longest šaltibarščiai table in Lithuania and the most people slurping pink soup at once. This year? Organisers are eyeing global records.
At the finish line, expect more than just chopped dill. There will be medals, surprises, pink-themed entertainment, and even a treat for your dog (if it’s stylish enough to strut along).
Tech, Tradition, and Turnips – A Perfect Trio
To keep track of your steps and convert them into soup rewards, download the Walk15 app. This isn’t your average fitness tracker. It turns each step into tangible rewards – from fresh vegetables to actual soup ingredients. Yes, walking for turnips is now a thing.
Though the walk may sound quirky, it’s part of a larger national tradition. Lithuania’s walking movement has grown since 2016 and now attracts over 35,000 participants annually. The Pink Soup edition? It’s the glittery cherry on top of the (cold, creamy) beetroot cake.
Why You Need to Join the Pink Parade
Still unsure if you should spend your Saturday walking for soup? Let’s recap. It’s free. You don’t need to train. There’s no pressure. Just put on something pink, walk through a beautiful city, and collect tasty rewards. If you’re lucky, you might even set a personal record – or just slurp your way into history.
So mark your calendar for May 31. Sign up, dress up, and get ready to walk your way into Lithuania’s most colourfully ridiculous day. Because in Vilnius, even soup gets a standing ovation.
