The design was created by the artist Arvydas Každailis. Dusetos’ coat of arms was approved by the decree of the President of the Republic of Lithuania on 28 September 1999.
Harvest and Crafts Festival in Dusetos
Art lovers that know Dusetos as the artist Mecca in Aukštaitija region are probably unaware of the fact that here you can do more than just visit art galleries. Autumn gatherings or the Harvest and Crafts Festival, taking place in Dusetos in September or October, is also a noteworthy event. The gatherings, referred to as Sambariai, refer to the old Baltic traditions, when our ancestors celebrated their harvest enjoying beer in the honour of Alutinis (the beer god) and sacrificing animals to Žemininkas (god of farming and agriculture) at the end of September, during the Autumn Equinox. Later the animal sacrifice was replaced by burning a hay goat, while the radically-changed traditions of Sambariai were moved to the Feast of Saint Michael.
The focus here is the good mood and you will definitely won’t have any troubles in finding it at the Harvest and Crafts Festival in Dusetos. After all the works are finished, you can take some rest and enjoy some time with others, sharing your farming achievements. Hosted by the gaspadinė (Eng. hostess), the event also features awards for the most beautiful homesteads and the farmer or the young farmer of the year.
The festival is attended by guests from other countries as well. During the entire festival communities compete for the tastiest dish and the most beautiful garden, showing the best of their fantasy and invention.
Since the festival has much to offer, people don’t rush home. Here you can take a look at impressive hunting trophies, livestock and birds, brought by farmers, purchase original items from craftsmen or folk artists, pick plants for your homestead or simply listen to fun folk music. Children can enjoy various attractions, while the bravest of them — even ride a horse or a pony. Although the Harvest and Crafts Festival is far from the crowds at Sartai Horse Race (which also takes place in Dusetos), visiting Dusetos in autumn is very much worth your while as well.