This Soup Festival Turns an Entire European City Pink-With Parades, Costumes, and a Fuchsia Train

"The festival has grown so rapidly since its debut three years ago that it can no longer be contained in a single day," said Eglė Girdzijauskaitė, head of communications at Go Vilnius, in a press release obtained by Travel + Leisure."

"We're seeing visitors coming to Vilnius for the Vilnius Pink Soup Fest not only from neighboring states but also from the U.K., Germany, the Netherlands, and other European countries. They want to stay longer, experience more, and immerse themselves more deeply."

"The festivities center on šaltibarščiai, a chilled soup traditionally made from beets, kefir, cucumber, dill, and boiled eggs-it's a classic, refreshing Lithuanian summer staple. During the festival, restaurants serve both classic and inventive versions, including plant-based variations, beetroot tacos, cocktails inspired by the soup ingredients, and even kefir ice cream."

"This year, festivities included the Pink Waiters' Run, which challenged hospitality workers and athletes to race through the city while balancing bowls of pink soup without spilling a drop. There was also a 6.5-mile-long Pink Soup Walking Challenge and a Pink Soup Costume Competition."

Vilnius hosts an annual Pink Soup Fest celebrating šaltibarščiai, a chilled beetroot soup made with beets, kefir, cucumber, dill, and boiled eggs. The 2025 festival attracted 93,000 visitors and will expand from one day to three, running May 29–31 with free admission. Restaurants serve classic and inventive versions, including plant-based options, beetroot tacos, inspiration-based cocktails, and kefir ice cream. Attendees dress in pink, pets wear ribbons, and events include a Pink Soup Parade with stilt walkers and bands, a Pink Waiters' Run, a 6.5-mile walking challenge, and a costume competition. International visitors arrive from across Europe.

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