Vilnius Pink Soup Fest 2025: A tribute to Lithuania’s iconic cold beet soup

Vilnius is preparing for its third annual Vilnius Pink Soup Fest on May 31, 2025, to celebrate šaltibarščiai—Lithuania’s beloved cold pink soup. A vibrant and flavorful tradition, šaltibarščiai signals the arrival of summer for many Lithuanians. With over 42,000 attendees last year, this year’s event promises to be even grander, featuring new additions and more colorful experiences.

New Additions to the Festival Lineup

A major highlight of the 2025 festival will be the Pink Parade, a lively procession starting in the city’s main street and crossing through the heart of the city. The parade promises to fill the streets with vibrant pink hues and kickstart the festival’s festivities.

Costume Contest: Dress in Pink for a Prize

Attendees are encouraged to don their pinkest outfits or get even more creative with pink soup-themed costumes, such as an egg or beetroot. Those brave enough to showcase their imaginative looks can compete in the costume contest later in the day for the chance to win exciting prizes.

Thrills with the Pink Soup Slide

For those seeking some fun and adventure, the 50-meter-long pink slide leading into a giant inflatable pink bowl at Bastion Hill will once again be a must-try attraction. Festival-goers can slide into the world of pink soup in this exhilarating and unique experience.

Pink Waiters’ Marathon: A Race for Soup

For those who enjoy a blend of sports and fun, the Pink Waiters’ Marathon brings a challenge reminiscent of Parisian coffee runs and Munich’s beer-carrying contests. Participants will race through the streets balancing bowls of šaltibarščiai, aiming to avoid spills while maintaining their speed.

Taste the Best Šaltibarščiai in Vilnius

After all the excitement, attendees can indulge in delicious servings of šaltibarščiai from local restaurants and food vendors. Many of them will also feature creative twists on the classic pink soup, incorporating cocktails and desserts inspired by the iconic dish.

Beyond the pink soup, the festival offers a chance to explore Vilnius’s growing gastronomic scene with various creative workshops, live music performances, and family-friendly activities.

The Cultural Significance of Šaltibarščiai

Ranked the world’s best cold soup by Taste Atlas in 2023, šaltibarščiai is more than just a dish—it’s a culinary icon. In 2023, a friendly rivalry between Lithuanians and Latvians over the soup’s origins even led to a playful rap song war, adding to the cultural impact of the dish.

A Super Healthy Soup

The ingredients of šaltibarščiai are known for their health benefits. The primary ingredient, kefir, a fermented beverage, is often hailed as a superfood. Kefir, made from milk, contains protein, calcium, B vitamins, potassium, and probiotics, and is typically well-tolerated by those with lactose intolerance. Healthline has recognized it for its ability to lower cholesterol, improve digestion, and even reduce blood pressure.

Classic Lithuanian Šaltibarščiai Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 medium cooked beets (grated or finely chopped)

• 4 cups kefir (buttermilk or yogurt)

• 1 cup cold water (adjust for desired consistency)

• 1 cucumber (diced)

• 3 hard-boiled eggs (chopped)

• 3 tablespoons fresh dill (chopped)

• 2 spring onions (chopped)

• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the grated beets, cucumber, eggs, dill, and spring onions.

2. Pour in the kefir and mix well. Add cold water to adjust the thickness of the soup.

3. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

4. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors blend.

5. Serve chilled with a side of hot boiled potatoes.