'/%3E%3C/svg%3E){kind=small}
As part of the long-standing Polish–Lithuanian cross-border partnership, the Municipality of Budry and its partners from the Zanavykai Museum held their sixth cycling rally on 12–14 June 2026.The event continued the tradition of joint cycling rallies and was a direct follow-up to the project “On the Trail of Crafts and Culture: Šakiai–Budry.” The visit, led by the Mayor of the Municipality of Budry, Mariusz Molda, provided an opportunity to review what the partners had achieved so far and set new goals for the future.
Official talks and exchange of experience
On the first day, the Polish delegation was formally welcomed by the Mayor of Šakiai District Municipality, Raimondas Januševičius. The meeting was also attended by Museum Director Rima Vasaitienė, Head of the Department of Education, Culture and Sport Darius Aštrauskas, and Deputy Head Eglė Plančiūnienė. The participants discussed the results of five years of joint work and outlined possible directions for the partnership. After the meeting, the guests attended the opening of the exhibition “Contemporary Polish Painting” at the historic Zypliai Manor and visited Vytautas Kaunas’s gallery. The day ended with a social gathering at which participants learned about Lithuanian cultural traditions associated with the sauna ritual.
Cycling and culinary heritage
The second day focused on physical activity and promoting cycle tourism. The participants rode a scenic route along the Nemunas River: Kačerginė – Kaunas – Pažaislis Monastery – Kaunas – Kačerginė. They covered approximately 65 kilometres while enjoying Lithuania’s natural scenery and historic sites. That evening, educational workshops on baking the traditional Lithuanian tree cake, šakotis, were held in Lekėčiai. The delegation learned about this regional culinary craft and had the opportunity to bake and taste the cake themselves.
History and Lithuanian hospitality
On the third day, the delegation followed a heritage trail, visiting the manors in Lower Panemunė and Paežeriai. Participants learned about the history of both places, viewed the exhibitions on display and once again experienced the warm hospitality of the people of the Zanavykija region.
Acknowledgements
This international initiative would not have been possible without the commitment of many people and institutions. We extend special thanks to our Lithuanian partners and to Museum Director Rima Vasaitienė for organising the visit so well and for the warm welcome.
We are also grateful to: The Rowerowa Gołdap Association for its organisational support for the cycling rally. The Węgorzewo County Office for providing commemorative cycling gifts.
“This initiative is co-financed by the Self-Government of the Warmian-Masurian Voivodeship under the ‘WM DLA WM 2026’ competition.”
