It is nice that the Ukrainian folk song ensemble "Lastivochki", which performed six authentic, sensitive songs, also received an invitation to the festival. The celebration was decorated with a separate performance by the head of the ensemble, theater and film actress, M. Stravinsky Prize laureate Olena Lastivka, who enchanted the audience with her songs and expressively recited verses.

The "Ukrainian" part of the concert lasted about 45 minutes. It is nice to note that the audience warmly and sincerely welcomed the guests from Šiauliai, applauded, sang and even danced.

Vocal and instrumental ensembles "Barbelės" (Latvia) "Savejie" and "Liepa" dance group of the Nausėdii Department of Biržai Cultural Center also presented their compositions on the stage of the Nausėdii Culture House. The head of the institution, Irina Shakura, performed a Belarusian folk song.

UIC Malva Center director Sergey Akhmetov presented the organizer with a tasty gift as a sign of gratitude. And the "sweet highlight of the program" became the cakes baked by the golden hands of the permanent artisan of "Malva", Mrs. Liubov. Everyone in the hall had the opportunity to eat delicious, fragrant baked goods filled with apples.

In the lobby of the cultural center, guests had the opportunity to purchase handicrafts and national Ukrainian jewelry, which were presented by the head of "Ukraina Kramnička" Liubov Yarmoshenko, her mother Mrs. Liubov, and painting and jewelry master Anna Burmistrova-Protsenko. The staff of the Vilnius restaurant "Smačna hatina" served the guests of the festival with dishes of national Ukrainian cuisine.

Thanks to the efforts of director Sergej Akhmetov, all the participants of the festival who represented "Malva" received gifts after Birži. Visited Biržai region museum "Sėla", got acquainted with the unique history of the region, historical exhibits, walked on the longest pedestrian bridge in Lithuania, climbed the unique Kirkili observation tower, from which a breathtaking view opened - a wonderful landscape of small lakes, trees decorated in autumn.

We sincerely thank the festival organizers for the invitation and warm welcome. It was a pleasure to be a part of the event and to show the audience the uniqueness of our culture.

I also thank the director for organizing the trip and introducing me to a unique corner of Lithuania.