Vilnius to Transform Its Icons into Tattoos at «Ink Your Love» Event

GINTARĖ KAVALIŪNAITĖ | 2024.09.11

Vilnius invites residents and visitors to permanently mark their bond to the Lithuanian capital on September 14. The "Ink Your Love" event offers the chance to get a tattoo inspired by the city's symbols, adding a personal touch to the ongoing 701st birthday festivities.

Raksts turpinās pēc reklāmas

Markku Lepistö & Mikko Helenius

29. novembrī plkst.19.00 Valmieras Sv. Sīmaņa baznīcā koncertēs ievērojamais somu akordeonists Markku Lepistö duetā ar ērģelnieku Mikko Helenius.

EUR 25 | Valmieras novada Tūrisma pārvalde

Attendees can choose from 18 pre-designed tattoos that capture key aspects of Vilnius' identity. Offered by eight local tattoo studios, these designs feature iconic imagery such as the city’s trolleybus, the chess table from Bernardinai Garden, the legendary Iron Wolf, the Užupis Angel, and the vibrant pink soup.

Each design holds special significance: the trolleybus is a symbol of sustainable travel since the 1950s, the Iron Wolf represents loyalty and the city's untamed spirit, and the Užupis Angel embodies rebirth and creative freedom.

Each tattoo will carry the distinctive touch of the artist, blending traditional symbolism with contemporary flair. City-themed tattoos have become a notable trend in Vilnius, with people choosing to permanently ink images like St. Anne Church on their bodies. Tattoos have evolved into a significant medium for personal expression, representing important aspects of contemporary life. “Ink Your Love” encourages more people to celebrate their connection to the city by adorning themselves with meaningful city symbols.

As part of “Ink Your Love,” tattoo artist Domantas Don completed a tattoo on the TV tower, one of Vilnius’ most known landmarks. Demonstrating their love for the city, Don and his client, Juozas Augustas Visockas, scaled the tower’s ledge at 165 meters to have a TV tower design inked on Visockas's body.

“I’ve done tattoos not only in studios but also in nature - I have a lot of experience and confidence, so the height and unusual circumstances didn’t intimidate me. We enjoyed a unique experience, the work turned out great, and afterward, we took in the enchanting view of Vilnius from above,” said Don.

According to the event’s organizers, tattoos are often deeply connected to local culture and collective identity. Carrying a piece of Vilnius is not just about showcasing famous landmarks but about embracing unique symbols and personal connections that resonate on a deeper level. The designs embody the spirit and heritage of Vilnius – whether it's the hot air balloon representing freedom in the summer skies or the image of King Mindaugas signifying power.

The "Ink Your Love" event continues the momentum of Vilnius' ongoing birthday celebrations, which have included the As Young as Vilnius music festival and the Vilnius Light Festival held earlier this year. This tattoo event celebrates the city's storied past and provides a tribute that links the community more closely with its history.

Moreover, Vilnius ranks prominently on the World Happiness Index, especially among those under 30, and "Ink Your Love" is also a creative expression of the joy, connection, and sense of community that define the city. Participants are encouraged to book their appointments for September 14, between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m., to secure their spot in this celebration.

All participants must be over 18 and present a valid ID to receive a tattoo. This unique opportunity, which costs 50 euros per tattoo, allows individuals to become living representations of Vilnius, carrying the city’s essence with them long after the celebrations conclude.