This week, as part of the Žaliakalnis (Kaunas' city district, Lithuania) community festivities, I had the chance to visit and photograph a beautiful, heartwarming event – the Žaliakalnis Neighbors' Celebration.
After photographing the architecture tour nearby, I stopped by the community gathering that took place right next to the Kaukas stairs – which is part of the city’s UNESCO heritage zone. I didn’t stay long, maybe 30 to 60 minutes, as the event was quite small and calm, but even in that short time, it left a warm impression.
What caught my eye instantly was the long shared table – the heart of the celebration. People from the neighborhood had each brought something to share. It was simple and genuine: some brought homemade dishes, others snacks, baked goods, even wine. The community itself provided a few extras like cake and snacks for everyone.
There was no formal catering or fancy setup – just honest, communal warmth. Plates of food, drinks, and a lot of friendly smiles. That long table said more than any speech could: “You are welcome here. Let’s enjoy something together.”
A young man played guitar, adding a gentle, live rhythm to the event. The sound of kids laughing and playing filled the space – there were activities, little games, and even some interactive group games to help neighbors meet and get to know each other better.
The community chairwoman gave a short, cheerful speech, and from what I saw, people were relaxed and happy to be there. Some stayed standing around the table and chatted. Others brought their own chairs or blankets and made themselves comfortable.
What touched me the most was seeing this kind of togetherness still alive. Personally, I live in a block of flats, and like many Lithuanians, I don’t really talk to my neighbors. There’s no specific reason – it’s just how things are. People are more private, and we rarely make space to connect.
So, to witness this kind of gathering – people sitting together, sharing food, music, conversations – felt rare and precious. It reminded me of how communities used to be. Not just buildings and names on mailboxes, but real people who know each other, support each other, and share a meal once in a while.
It might sound small, but these types of events really make a difference. They create a sense of safety, of being seen. A reminder that we're not just individuals passing by each other, but part of something.
In a time when many of us feel more disconnected than ever – even while living so close – events like the Neighbors' Day feel like quiet acts of resistance. Resistance against isolation, busyness, and the idea that community life is a thing of the past.
It also made me reflect on how we often wait for big events or official holidays to celebrate, when really, we can create small moments of connection right in our own neighborhoods. A table. A cake. A guitar. That’s all it really takes.
As a photography intern for a local news portal, this was part of my practice – documenting local life and events. And though I came to “just take photos,” I left feeling unexpectedly moved.
I didn’t stay long – the event was small and cozy, and there wasn’t a constant flow of new things to shoot. But sometimes, the most meaningful moments don’t require dramatic scenes. Sometimes, it’s in the simplicity: a shared smile, a plate of food, or a child drawing with chalk on the pavement.
So here’s a little piece of that day — something simple, something real, something I’m grateful to have witnessed and photographed. Below you’ll find a gallery of moments from this beautiful neighborhood event.
