A City in Celebration

My trip to the Baltic states began in Vilnius, Lithuania—just in time for the annual Vilnius Days Festival. The city was alive with music, art, and food stalls that lined the medieval cobblestone streets. Concerts took place on the main stage, and while I didn’t recognize the performers, the locals were thrilled to see their favorites. The weather was perfect and it felt like the entire city was out celebrating.

Vilnius is known for its vibrant street and mural art scene. I have a degree in fine arts and really enjoyed a street art walking tour. From bold political messages to playful illustrations, the murals reflect both contemporary culture and Lithuania’s history.

An interesting moment was visiting the Frank Zappa monument. Although Zappa had no direct ties to Lithuania, the city embraced him as a symbol of free thinking and nonconformity after gaining independence from Soviet rule. The sculpture honors not just a musician, but the spirit of creative freedom that remains central to Vilnius’s identity. In 1972, while living in San Francisco and attending the San Francisco Art Institute, I was fortunate enough to see Frank Zappa perform at Bill Graham’s Winterland.

Travel isn’t only about seeing new places, it’s about letting them expand you. Vilnius did just that. From its murals to its music, the city reminded me how art and freedom shape identity.