Weaving Palms – developing cultural tourism to preserve local cultural heritage and improve the social well-being of the inhabitants of the Vilnius Region (LT) and the Rozogi Commune (PL) (Easter Palms)
Project number:
LTPL00325
Project number:
Ongoing
Call:
2
Priority:
2. Promoting physical, emotional and cultural wellbeing
Specific objective:
2.2 - Enhancing the role of culture and sustainable tourism in economic development, social inclusion and social innovation
Date:
From: 2024.12.01 Till: 2025.11.30
Project summary:
The project aims to preserve and promote the tradition of weaving Easter palms, a shared cultural heritage of the Vilnius region in Lithuania and the Kurpie region in Poland, by developing a cross-border tourist offer supported by local authorities. Both regions face common challenges, such as the fading of this intricate handicraft tradition within local communities and a limited year-round tourism offer. The Vilnius palm, woven from natural plants and listed as Lithuania’s intangible cultural heritage since 2019, symbolizes the Vilnius region and represents centuries-old craftsmanship and symbolism. The Kurpie palm, known for its vibrant colors and impressive height, is one of Poland’s most recognizable folk art forms and a key part of Kurpie’s Palm Sunday celebrations. Building on this rich and colorful cultural legacy, the project partners will implement joint Polish-Lithuanian activities to safeguard these traditions and integrate them into sustainable tourism development. These include artisan and tourism exchange meetings, educational and promotional activities, and the creation of new cultural-tourism products such as the Easter Palms virtual route, permanent exhibitions, fairs, workshops, competitions, plein-air art events, and publications showcasing the beauty of the palms. The project contributes to the Interreg VI-A Lithuania–Poland Programme by strengthening the role of culture and sustainable tourism in fostering economic development, social inclusion, and cross-border cooperation. Expected outcomes include the preservation and promotion of the Easter palm tradition, stronger cultural ties between Vilnius and Rozogi, the creation of a new joint tourist offer, and increased cultural exchange and tourism between Poland and Lithuania.
Lead Partner:
Rozogi Commune
Lead Partner region:
Olsztyński subregion
Project Partner(s):
Ethnographic Museum of the Vilnius Region
Total project budget:
102.974,40
ERDF:
82.379,52
Does the project contribute to the implementation of the EU BSRS?
Yes