Digital Portal Served as Longest Pink Soup Table between Vilnius and Lublin

May 7, 2024 – Vilnius, Lithuania. Lithuanian summertime treat, cold pink soup a.k.a. šaltibarščiai, has been transformed into the world’s longest bridge, stretching 650 kilometers. The national delicacy was celebrated with two tables — one placed in Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, and another in Lublin, a city in Poland. Positioned by the PORTAL, a futuristic installation next to Vilnius Train Station and in Lublin’s central square, the tables created a unique illusion. Since the digital portal resembles a virtual circular door and shows the cities in real-time, the tables appeared as though they extended from one country to another, creating an impression of the world’s longest table between two countries.

Adorned in pink accent details and with a spread containing cold pink soup, pink snacks, sweets, and drinks, the tables in Vilnius and Lublin created a digital postcard reminding the international guests about one of the largest gastronomical events that will take place in Vilnius on June 1 — Vilnius Pink Soup Fest. The Pink Soup Table seated up to eight people and the guest list included locals from both Lithuania and Poland. 

Incidentally, the soup, which has become a gastronomical summertime symbol, was recently named the best cold soup in the world by the Taste Atlas. The initiative also symbolizes the unity and shared history between the two cities and nations — in 1569, the Union of Lublin united the Kingdom of Poland and the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, creating the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth that lasted for 200 years.

Dovilė Aleksandravičienė, CEO of Go Vilnius, the official tourism and business development agency, says the idea for the table spanning two nations was to invite the neighbors from Poland, as well as other countries, to come to the festival, be a part of pink celebrations, and explore the traditional and modern tastes of the summertime treat.

“We have strong ties with Poland and Polish tourists are among the biggest tourist groups in Vilnius — the number of tourists from Poland increased by 58% last year. At the same time, Vilnius Pink Soup Fest is a unique celebration of a delicacy that has become synonymous with summer in Lithuania. Around 15K attendees enjoyed the festivities last year, and we expect an even bigger crowd this June,” Aleksandravičienė added. “The festival reveals the unique legacy of Lithuanian cuisine while showcasing the talent of seasoned chefs who put their own twist on traditional dishes, at the same time enriching the city’s distinguished gastronomical scene.”

The gathering was also a reminder that Lithuanians and Poles have similar traditional cuisines dominated by potatoes, seasonal root vegetables, mushrooms, grains, etc. Multiple restaurants in Vilnius offer to try the neighbors’ traditional dishes like pierogi, curd pancakes, pork rolls zrazai, and others.

Vilnius Pink Soup Fest — a gastronomical draw

Vilnius Pink Soup Fest will be the second event of its kind in Vilnius, welcoming the city’s residents and guests to immerse in pink-themed entertainment. Over 100 participating partners — restaurants, cafes, pubs, and other food establishments — will offer to taste the different versions of the iconic cold soup and other delicacies. The city’s esteemed gastronomical ecosystem has been a lure for visitors keen on unearthing traditional and contemporary food experiences while this year Lithuanian cuisine is entering a new level with a visit of the Michelin Guide.

Officially starting the summer season in the capital, the festival will also invite the attendees to dress in pink, participate in the best costume contest, and slide into a giant artificial soup bowl. Other activities include live musical performances and dedicated spaces for children and adolescents.