As immigration remains a major issue across Europe, Vilnius, Lithuania, is taking a different approach by celebrating the contributions of newcomers who have made the city their home.
The Lithuanian capital will host the fifth annual Vilnius Is My City Festival on Sept. 5 at Bernardinai Garden as part of Vilnius Fiesta. Organized by International House Vilnius and Go Vilnius, the free event brings together the city’s growing international community and will introduce the first Vilnius Is My City Awards.
The awards will recognize international residents whose work, creativity and ideas have helped strengthen Vilnius’ business, cultural and culinary communities and increase the city’s visibility around the world.
The festival comes as immigration and migration management remain key concerns across the European Union. At the same time, Lithuania was ranked third in Europe and sixth globally among the best countries for relocation in 2026, according to the latest rankings cited by Go Vilnius.
Vilnius is home to approximately 78,000 foreign residents from 143 countries. The international population grew 4.4% over the past year. International House Vilnius, a free service center supporting people relocating to the city, has helped more than 62,000 newcomers settle in Vilnius over nearly five years.
The festival’s new awards will feature four categories recognizing contributions in business, culture, gastronomy and international outreach.
Among the residents highlighted by organizers are Eskedar Tihalun, who has built a coffee business while introducing Ethiopian coffee culture to Vilnius and creating local jobs; Spanish musician Sandra Carrillo, who contributes to the city’s creative community; and Turkish resident Ibrahim Uyar, known online as Curly & Lithuania, who promotes Vilnius and Lithuania to an international audience through social media.
Indrė Laučienė, head of the Foreign Talent Department at Go Vilnius, said the awards are intended to recognize the role newcomers play in shaping the city’s future.
The festival also reflects Vilnius’ efforts to make international residents feel connected to their adopted city. The compact urban environment, work-life balance, English proficiency and comparatively affordable cost of living have contributed to the city’s appeal among foreign residents.
James Rowland, an English entrepreneur who is building a coaching business in Vilnius, said the city offered both professional opportunities and a supportive environment.
Last year, more than 11,000 people attended the Vilnius Is My City Festival, which organizers describe as the only cultural diversity celebration of its kind in the region.
Residents and visitors are invited to nominate international residents for the 2026 awards. Nominations can include an individual, a story highlighting someone’s contribution or multiple people deserving recognition.