k ū l g r i n d a

Kūlgrinda means a secret cobbled road under water through a marsh or a lake leading to the castle. Kūlgrinda also is the path of initiation. Ritual folklore band Kūlgrinda has started to count its days from 1990, the time when Lithuania was undergoing rebirth. The entire revived movement of the Balts’ belief can be hardly imagined without this band. Kūlgrinda opens MJR festival with their archaic songs and rituals nearly each year. We can only rejoice at the band’s presence in this ninth festival, too.

The band performing ritual Baltic folklore and unique magic glees ( sutartinės) has been in motion for 15 years now. These melodies come from the oldest times of our nation. The songs accompany the prayers to the old gods, dances and provide thunderous accompaniment of drums, bagpipes, violins and other instruments. Kūlgrinda, led by pagan priest Jaunius and priestess Inija, is regularly invited to introduce ethnic Baltic tradition in the major events worldwide. The band holds quite modern approach to folklore, that is, by preserving old traditions they adapt them to the today’s life. Characterised by original sound and youthful enthusiasm, yet at the same time preserving the authenticity of a folk song, the ensemble manages to present folklore to the audience consisting of the most different age groups.

Following Baltic customs, Kūlgrinda also performs wedding, initiation and other family and season rituals. These rituals usually take place next to the altar of Gediminas grave hill in Vilnius, Lizdeika altar in Verkiai park, Kernavė, other fort hills or altar hills, sacred sites, nature and indoor sites. Kūlgrinda is also invited to national ceremonies, official gala and urban events.

www.romuva.lt/kulgrinda
e-mail: <trinkunas@romuva.lt>
tel. +37061334383