Mėnuo Juodaragis
Mėnuo Juodaragis (English: Black-Horned Moon[4] or Moon of the Black Horn,[5][6] sometimes abbreviated as BHM (MJR)) is an annual Baltic culture, alternative music, folk music and experimental music festival organized in Lithuania. It has been running since 1995 and is visited by 5,000 to 6,000 people each year, making it one of the biggest and oldest festivals in Lithuania.[1]
Mėnuo Juodaragis | |
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![]() Festival logo | |
Genre | alternative music, folk music, experimental music[1] |
Dates | Last weekend of August[2] |
Location(s) |
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Years active | 1995, 1997, 1999–2005, 2007[3]–2018; 2020–present |
Founded by | "Dangus" and "Baltijos Griaustinis"[2] |
Attendance | 5,000–6,000 people[1] |
Website | mjr.lt/en/ |
The festival's programme includes lectures by folklorists and historians, workshops and demonstrations by artisans (blacksmiths, leatherworkers, weavers, jewellers, dyers and others), traditional rites, historical reenactments, art exhibitions, film screenings, hikes, sports competitions and folk dancing.[6][7][8][9]
History
The festival was initiated in 1997 as a spontaneous one-day gathering of several young people and their friends in Verbiškės village, Molėtai District, Lithuania, where it was organized biennially until 1999.[2]
The festival later moved to Sudeikiai, a settlement near Utena town, where it took place from 2000 to 2002. Since then the timing of the festival also became fixed on the last weekend of August. Then in 2003–2005, Mėnuo Juodaragis was held in Kernavė, the medieval capital of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. After a break in 2006 for financial and organisational reasons, the festival chose an island in Zarasas Lake in Zarasai town as the location for the 2007 festival.[2]
In 2011 Mėnuo Juodaragis returned to Lake Zarasas and the 12th festival was dedicated to sutartinės, Lithuanian ancient polyphonic singing.[10] The theme of the 13th festival in 2012 was birds and aviation and it was once again organized in Lake Zarasas. An air balloon race was held during the festival, as well as a nighttime balloon parade.[8]
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The 14th Mėnuo Juodaragis was dedicated to Latvians, the other surviving Baltic people, and the unity of Baltic people, featuring an extensive list of Latvian bands, such as Iļģi, Auļi, Skyforger, Vilki, Grodi and Dzelzs Vilks, as well as Latvian artisans and lecturers.[9][11]
The main theme of the 19th festival in 2016 was "Home", according to the organizers not only in the physical sense but also in a spiritual meaning. That year Mėnuo Juodaragis took place on an island in Dūburys Lake, Zarasai District and the headliner was Slovenian avant-garde music group Laibach.[12]
The 20th edition of Mėnuo Juodaragis returned to the island in Dūburys Lake. The festival was dedicated to Baltic god of thunder Perkūnas and was headlined by Nordic folk music group Wardruna.[7][1][13]
The 21st edition of Mėnuo Juodaragis in 2018 took place at the complex of Molavėnai Castle Mounds. In early 2019 the organizers announced an interlude and that the next festival will be held from 27 to 30 of August 2020.
Organisers and supporters
Mėnuo Juodaragis is organised by the Lithuanian record label Dangus and non-profit public institution "Baltijos Griaustinis". Since 2002, the festival is partially supported by the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Lithuania, as well as the Department of UNESCO Cultural Management at Vilnius Academy of Arts, other cultural institutions, enterprises, media channels, and private persons.[2]
List of festivals
Festival | Year | Date | Location | Theme | Musicians |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mėnuo Juodaragis XXI | 2018 | August 24–26 | Molavėnai Castle Mounds, Raseiniai District, Lithuania (2018) | Magic (Burtai) | ![]() |
From other countries: Alash (Russia), Aurinkopyörä (Finland), Dandelion Wine (Australia), Ēnu kaleidoskops (Latvia), Heilung (Denmark), Kellan (Prussia), Meta Meat (France), Pragnavit (Belarus), Sangre de Muerdago (Spain), Romowe Rikoito (Prussia), Romuvos (Israel) | |||||
Mėnuo Juodaragis XX | 2017 | August 24–27 | Duburys, Zarasai District, Lithuania | Perkūnas | ![]() |
From other countries: Auļi & Tautumeitas (Latvia), Aurinkopyörä (Finland), Daba San (Latvia), Death in Rome (European Union), Der Blutharsch and the Infinite Church of the Leading Hand (Austria), DrymbaDaDzyga (Ukraine), Elle Márjá Eira (Norway), Hipstokrātija (Latvia), Irdorath (Belarus), Karolina Cicha & Bart Pałyga (Poland), Nest (Finland), Niel Mitra (Germany), Of the Wand and the Moon (Denmark), Selvans (Italy), Vril Jäger (United Kingdom/Denmark), Wardruna (Norway). | |||||
Mėnuo Juodaragis XIX | 2016 | August 25–28 | Duburys, Zarasai District, Lithuania | Home (Namai) | ![]() |
From other countries: Alio Die (Italy), Gas of Latvia (Latvia), Hexvessel (Finland), Keltika Hispanna (Spain), Laibach (Slovenia), Piarevaracien (Belarus), Puuluup (Estonia), Romowe Rikoito (Prussia), Saucējas (Latvia), Theodor Bastard (Russia). | |||||
Mėnuo Juodaragis XVIII | 2015 | August 28–30 | Duburys, Zarasai District, Lithuania | Bees (Bitės) | ![]() |
From other countries: Sol Invictus (United Kingdom), Shadow Biosphere (United Kingdom), Gods Tower (Belarus), Sangre de Muerdago (Spain), Vassvik (Spain), La Chiva Gantiva (Belgium/Colombia), Kirlian Camera (Italy), Asea Sool (Georgia), Atmasfera (Georgia), Troitsa (Belarus), The Devil & The Universe (Austria), Zāle (Latvia). | |||||
Mėnuo Juodaragis XVII | 2014 | August 28–30 | Skinderiškis Dendrological Park, Kėdainiai District, Lithuania | Dreams (Sapnai) | ![]() |
From other countries: Frailty (Latvia), Sieben (United Kingdom), And Also The Trees (United Kingdom), Krauka (Denmark), Ô Paradis (Spain). | |||||
Mėnuo Juodaragis XVI | 2013 | August 23–25 | Lake Zarasas, Zarasai District, Lithuania | Brothers Latvians (Broliai latviai) | ![]() |
From other countries: Auļi (Latvia), Bēdu vēstnesis (Latvia), Changes (USA), Dzelzs Vilks (Latvia), Ēnu kaleidoskops (Latvia), Fire+Ice (United Kingdom), Folknery (Ukraine), Green Novice (Latvia), Grodi (Latvia), Iļģi (Latvia), Miglas asni (Latvia), Rome (Luxembourg), Otava Yo (Russia), STandART (Latvia), Silent Stream of Godless Elegy (Czech Republic), Vilki (Latvia). | |||||
Mėnuo Juodaragis XV | 2012 | August 24–26 | Lake Zarasas, Zarasai District, Lithuania | Birds (paukščiai) and history of Lithuanian aviation (Lietuvos aviacijos istorija) | ![]() |
From other countries: Ataraxia (Italy), Cruachan (Ireland), DakhaBrakha (Ukraine), H a t i (Poland), Larrnakh (Hungary), Svjata Vatra (Estonia), Tharaphita (Estonia), Theodor Bastard (Russia), Troum (Germany), Vējam kabatā (Latvia), Vietah (Belarus). | |||||
Mėnuo Juodaragis XIV | 2011 | August 26–28 | Lake Zarasas, Zarasai District, Lithuania | Sutartinės and the revival of Lithuanian language (lietuvių kalbos atgimimas) | ![]() |
From other countries: Arnica (Spain), Blood Axis (USA), Dazkarieh (Portugal), Laimas Muzykanti (Latvia), Południca (Poland), Rapoon (United Kingdom), Taruta (Ukraine), Troll Bends Fir (Russia), Sonne Hagal (Germany), DJ Olivers (Latvia). | |||||
Mėnuo Juodaragis XIII | 2010 | August 27–28 | Aukštadvaris, Trakai District, Lithuania | Mythology of the Baltic Devil (baltiškoji Velnio mitologija) and Dr. Jonas Basanavičius | ![]() |
From other countries: Auļi (Latvia), Ēnu kaleidoskops (Latvia), Skyforger (Latvia), Sol Invictus (United Kingdom), Tabor Radosti (Czech Republic), Viy (Ukraine), Żywiołak (Poland). | |||||
Mėnuo Juodaragis XII | 2009 | August 28–30 | Lake Zarasas, Zarasai District, Lithuania | Horses (žirgai), Vytis and history of Lithuaniaolder than 1000 years (Lietuvos istorija senesnė nei 1000 metų) | ![]() |
From other countries: Baobabs (Latvia), Bisclaveret (Poland), Dandelion Wine (Austria), Inkubus Sukkubus (United Kingdom), Irfan (Bulgaria), Litvintroll (Belarus), Of the Wand and the Moon (Denmark), Rama Amor (Italy), Rasa Basom (Lithuania/Norway), Trokšņu iela (Latvia), Virre+ (Estonia), Irakli Koiava (Georgia), Žemės garsas (Georgia/Lithuania). | |||||
Mėnuo Juodaragis XI | 2008 | August 22–24 | Lake Zarasas, Zarasai District, Lithuania | Aitvarai and the 90th anniversary of the Lithuanian Army (Lietuvos kariuomenės 90-metis) | ![]() |
From other countries: Auļi (Latvia), Essa (Bulgaria), Loits (Estonia), Rose Rovine E Amanti (Italy), Spiritual Front (Italy), Sieben (Ukraine), Theodor Bastard (Russia), Vihr (Russia), Von Thronstahl (Germany). | |||||
Mėnuo Juodaragis X | 2007 | August 24–26 | Lake Zarasas, Zarasai District, Lithuania | Selonian tribe (Sėlių gentis) and Mėnulis | ![]() |
From other countries: Allerseelen (Austria), Ēnu kaleidoskops (Latvia), DJ Metalmanik (United Kingdom), Moon Far Away (Russia), DJ Ruta (Latvia), Svarrogh (Bulgaria), The Moon and the Nightspirit (Hungary), Vilki (Latvia). | |||||
Mėnuo Juodaragis IX | 2005 | August 26–28 | Kernavė, Širvintos District, Lithuania | Vydūnas and the Baltic ecology (baltiška ekologija) | ![]() |
From other countries: Älymystö (Finland), Hybryds (Belgium), Kratong (Russia), Romowe Rikoito (Prussia), Neverdice (Finland), The Fungal Kingdom (USA). | |||||
Mėnuo Juodaragis IIX | 2004 | August 27–29 | Kernavė, Širvintos District, Lithuania | Secrets of Kernavė (Kernavės paslaptys) and the ancient Baltic signs (senieji baltų ženklai) | ![]() |
From other countries: Allerseelen (Austria), Cawatana (Hungary), Lahka Muza (Slovakia), Skyforger (Latvia), Sui Generis Umbra (Poland), Job Karma (Poland), DJ Audio Head Cleaner (France), DJ De’Ath (United Kingdom), DJ Sinusoida Squad (Poland), DJ Lil & Em (Poland), DJ Olivers (Latvia). | |||||
Mėnuo Juodaragis VII | 2003 | August 22–24 | Kernavė, Širvintos District, Lithuania | Lithuanian partisans (Lietuvos partizanai) | ![]() |
From other countries: Auļi (Latvia), DJ Audio Head Cleaner (France), DJ Bongirl (Estonia), Deathcamp Project (Poland), DJ De’Ath (United Kingdom), Forgotten Sunrise (Estonia), DJ Audio Head Cleaner (France), DJ De’Ath (United Kingdom), DJ Leszek (Poland), Markuch (Poland), DJ Ment (Latvia), DJ Olivers (Latvia), Osimira (Belarus), Skon (Poland), Temple Of Tiermes (Finland), Visi Vēji (Latvia), DJ Velnaruna (Latvia), DJ 4-got-10 (Estonia). | |||||
Mėnuo Juodaragis VI | 2002 | August 23–25 | Sudeikiai, Utena District, Lithuania | — | ![]() |
From other countries: Eva (Poland), Rīsa zvejnieki (Latvia), Romowe Rikoito (Prussia), DJ Olivers (Latvia), DJ Vuguls (Latvia). | |||||
Mėnuo Juodaragis V | 2001 | August 24–26 | Sudeikiai, Utena District, Lithuania | — | ![]() |
From other countries: Forgotten Sunrise (Estonia), K984theFungalKingdom (United Kingdom), Skyforger (Latvia), Tiermes (Finland), 4got10 (Estonia). | |||||
Mėnuo Juodaragis IV | 2000 | August 25–27 | Sudeikiai, Utena District, Lithuania | — | ![]() |
Mėnuo Juodaragis III | 1999 | May 1 | Sudeikiai, Utena District, Lithuania | — | ![]() |
Mėnuo Juodaragis II | 1997 | May 2 | Verbiškės, Molėtai District, Lithuania | — | ![]() |
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Mėnuo Juodaragis I | 1995 | November 10 | Verbiškės, Molėtai District, Lithuania | — | ![]() |
References
- "20th fable of Mėnuo Juodaragis tells of God of Thunder and Wardruna". Delfi. BNS EN. May 8, 2017. Retrieved July 20, 2018.
- "About festival". Mėnuo Juodaragis. Retrieved July 20, 2018.
- "Trail of history". Mėnuo Juodaragis. Retrieved July 20, 2018.
- "Black-Horned Moon Festival". ARS Baltica. August 28, 2015. Retrieved July 20, 2018.
- Strmiska, Michael (2005). Modern Paganism in World Cultures: Comparative Perspectives. ABC-CLIO. pp. 40, 274. ISBN 978-18-510-9608-4.
- Cusack, Carole; Norman, Alex (2012). Handbook of New Religions and Cultural Production. Brill Publishers. pp. 391–392. ISBN 978-90-042-2187-1.
- "Mėnuo Juodaragis XX will be dedicated to Thunder God". Radikaliai!. August 3, 2017. Retrieved July 20, 2018.
- "Mėnuo Juodaragis XV Festival Conquers The Sky". Heathen Harvest. August 20, 2012. Retrieved July 20, 2018.
- "Mėnuo Juodaragis XVI – Great Baltic Festival in Wild Lithuania". Heathen Harvest. July 20, 2013. Retrieved July 20, 2018.
- "Baltic post-folk festival "Mënuo Juodaragis" to take place in Zarasai in August". The Baltic Course. July 22, 2011. Retrieved July 20, 2018.
- "Lithuanian music festival "Menuo Juodaragis" held today through Sunday". The Baltic Course. August 23, 2013. Retrieved July 20, 2018.
- Ružauskaitė, Paulina (August 16, 2016). "Mėnuo Juodaragis XIX: A mystical festival of Lithuanian traditions". Music Export Fund. Retrieved July 20, 2018.
- "Celebrate 20 Years of The Mėnuo Juodaragis Festival This August". Heathen Harvest. July 11, 2017. Retrieved July 20, 2018.
External links
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- Official Mėnuo Juodaragis website (in English)
- Official Mėnuo Juodaragis YouTube channel
- Povilas Vaitkevičius (January–December 2015). The Black-Horned Moon Festival: Change is Life (in English). World New Music Magazine (No. 18). Music Information Centre Lithuania.