Co-creating Tourism Experience April 26, 2025 10:00

The Baltics invite you to a unique dialog and exploration of holistic well-being through their cherished sauna traditions. Lithuania, Latvia and Japan will come together to present their distinct approaches to sauna culture, offering a shared perspective on how these ancient practices foster harmony with nature and balance in modern life.

Lithuania will showcase Pirtis, the traditional sauna experience rooted in natural well-being and spiritual rejuvenation. Guided by a Sauna Master, Pirtis integrates the rhythms of the four seasons and the use of vantas (bundles of twigs) in a deeply immersive ritual. Latvia will contribute insights into its own sauna traditions, highlighting the shared heritage and unique interpretations that define the Baltic approach to wellness.

The program will begin with an informative session, where participants will explore the cultural and historical significance of Baltic sauna practices. A comparative discussion will then develop into the differences and commonalities between Lithuanian, Latvian, and Japanese sauna traditions, fostering a dialogue on how diverse cultures address well-being, balance, and resilience in a fast-paced world.

The highlight of the event will be a live demonstration by Sauna Master from Lithuania, showcasing traditional techniques and rituals. While the full sauna experience cannot be replicated outside its authentic setting, these demonstrations will offer an intimate glimpse into the craftsmanship and cultural philosophies that make Baltic sauna practices a cornerstone of natural wellness.

Through this collaborative presentation, Lithuania and Latvia aim to share the Baltic perspective on holistic well-being, contributing to the Expo’s mission of solving global challenges through cross-cultural dialogue. Together, they invite the world to discover how ancient traditions can guide modern societies toward a brighter, healthier future.

April 26th:

Theme Weeks Studio

10:00 – 12:30 Presentation of the Baltic Nature SPA – traditional sauna experience

• Opening words by Aurelijus Zykas, Ambassador of Republic of Lithuania to Japan and Andžejs Kaševskis, Deputy Head of Mission, Counsellor at the Embassy of the Republic of Latvia to Japan
• Lithuania’s Sauna Traditions or Pirtis will be presented by Birutė Lenktytė-Masiliauskienė
• Latvia’s Sauna Traditions or Pirts through all Seasons will be presented by Ieva Kolosova and Ugis Nastevics
• An official sauna ambassador of the Japan Sauna and Spa Association Katsuki Tanaka will present a “Comic Satabi (Sauna Trip)-Read the great Sauna in the world by comics. Lithuania and Latvia”

The Baltic Pavilion

15:00- 15:30 Lithuanian Pirtis Presentation
15:30-16:00 Latvian healing plants workshop (Latvia)
16:00-16:30 Lithuanian Pirtis Presentation
16:30-17:00 Pine tree scrub making (Latvia)
17:00-17:30 Lithuanian Pirtis Presentation
17:30-18:00 Showcase of Latvian Whisks (Latvia)

April 27th:

The Baltic Pavilion

12:00-12:30 Lithuanian Pirtis Presentation
12:30- 13:00 Latvian healing plants workshop (Latvia)
13:30 -14:00 Lithuanian Pirtis Presentation
14:00-14:30 Pine tree scrub making (Latvia)
15:00-15:30 Lithuanian Pirtis Presentation
15:30 -16:00 Showcase of Latvian Whisks (Latvia)
16:30- 17:00 Lithuanian Pirtis Presentation
17:00-17:30 Latvian healing plants workshop (Latvia)

Location: Theme Weeks Studio and The Baltic Pavilion