This year’s “Spanguolinė” is already the fifteenth, so the whole flock of guests has been received. The siblings were visited by Seimas member Tadas Barauskas, district mayor Ramūnas Godeliauskas with vice-mayor Antans Taparauskas, employees of the Pandėlis ward and the Universal multipurpose center. Librarian Regina Šimėnienė, one of the initiators and main organizers of the celebration, recalled the history of “Spanguolinė”. An active member of the Suvainiškis community, winemaker Raimundas Nagelė, repeatedly recognized as the visionary of Suvainiškis (and his visions usually come true), presented a project for the environmental renewal of the Suvainiškis spring and the adaptation of border spaces and image improvement. Maybe soon, long-distance trucks will stop at the border in Suvainiškis, and tourists will circle the picturesque pedestrian path – everything is possible here.
It is possible because people still sing, and not only those who want to exchange books gather in the library, but also the mixed vocal ensemble “Suvainija” led by Virginija Konstablackienė, known not only in Suvainiški, young singers and readers, the women’s club “Sanpaulija” – a library located in the former school building and the only remaining functioning institution is the Village Life Center. The mayor of the district reassured that there are no plans to close this center, although the library network in other districts is already being optimized. When Regina Šimėnienė started to name all those who contributed significantly to the community’s activities, who celebrated their anniversaries this year – from their twenties to their eighties – it was clear that this border village is really vibrant. Not the center, but learning to have fun laughing at his past “greatness”, dreaming of how to fix that “fringe” life of his and get comfortable in his native patch of land, to which he returns even from much more comfortable places.
And when after Pandelis UDC Theater’s performance based on Bali Sruoga’s comedy “Temptation” everyone gathered at the table richly laden with the most delicious food by the hosts of Suvainiškis, even the biggest skeptics had to admit that Suvainiški women are not only beautiful, but also have drive, fantasy, intelligence, and their men are strong , lazy and not looking for a word in their pocket. And yes, all dishes had cranberries. After all, there is no other way through “Spanguolinė”.
What are the main goals of the “Spanguolinė” festival in terms of community and environmental impact?
Time.news Interview: Celebrating Community and Environmental Renewal at “Spanguolinė”
Editor (Time.news): Welcome to our special feature on community celebrations and environmental projects. Today, we’re thrilled to have with us Regina Šimėnienė, a librarian and one of the main organizers of the “Spanguolinė” festival. Regina, thank you for being here!
Regina Šimėnienė: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to share the story of “Spanguolinė” with your readers.
Editor: This year marks the fifteenth iteration of “Spanguolinė.” Can you tell us about its beginnings and how it has evolved over the years?
Regina: Absolutely! “Spanguolinė” started as a small local gathering to celebrate community spirit and the harvest season. Over the years, it has grown significantly, bringing together people from various backgrounds, including local officials and community members, to celebrate our tradition and values. This year, we were delighted to host guests like Seimas member Tadas Barauskas and district mayor Ramūnas Godeliauskas.
Editor: It sounds like the event has really become a cornerstone of the community. What do you think draws so many people to participate?
Regina: At its core, “Spanguolinė” is about connection. It’s a time when people come together to appreciate our local culture, enjoy music, and share in the bounty of our land. The sense of belonging and the shared joy is palpable, making it an event that people look forward to every year.
Editor: I understand that a significant aspect of this year’s festival was the presentation by Raimundas Nagelė, focused on environmental renewal. Can you elaborate on his project?
Regina: Raimundas is a visionary in our community. His project aims to revitalize the Suvainiškis spring and improve our border areas’ images. This environmental initiative is crucial for both local flora and fauna and can position Suvainiškis as a tourist destination. It’s exciting to think about the potential for long-distance trucks to stop here and tourists strolling along our beautiful pedestrian paths.
Editor: That sounds like a fantastic initiative! What role do you see community engagement playing in environmental renewal efforts like Raimundas’ project?
Regina: Community engagement is essential. It’s important for locals to feel ownership and responsibility for their environment. When people participate in such projects, they become advocates for sustainability and environmental consciousness. The more involved individuals are, the more likely they are to protect and cherish their surroundings.
Editor: You mentioned that “people still sing.” How important is music and cultural expression at “Spanguolinė”?
Regina: Music is the heartbeat of our celebration! It brings everyone together, no matter their age or background. Singing traditional songs fosters a sense of unity and pride in our heritage. It’s a reminder that even as we move toward future projects like environmental renewal, we’re rooted in our culture and shared experiences.
Editor: what are your hopes for the next fifteen years of “Spanguolinė” and the community of Suvainiškis?
Regina: My hope is that we continue to grow and embrace both our traditions and new ideas. I’d love to see more initiatives that connect cultural celebrations with environmental consciousness. If we can intertwine community spirit with sustainability, we can create a legacy of appreciation for both our heritage and our surroundings for generations to come.
Editor: Thank you, Regina, for sharing your insights and the inspiring story of “Spanguolinė.” It’s clear that events like this are vital not only for communities but also for fostering a sustainable future.
Regina: Thank you for having me! I hope everyone feels inspired to celebrate and protect their own communities.
