Casimir (Kazimierz, 1458-1484) – Lithuanian prince and Polish queen, who in the 17th century was proclaimed patron of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and has since been considered the main patron saint of Lithuania, and then was declared the patron saint of Poland. In addition, in 1948, Pope Pius XII proclaimed St. Casimir the heavenly patron of youth. In addition, in Lithuania he is also considered the patron saint of artisans.
In this regard, according to a long-standing tradition, on the day of remembrance of St. Casimir, festive services are held in churches throughout the country. And on the coming weekend adjacent to this day, Vilnius annually hosts a fair in honor of the Saint, which is known as the «Kazyukas Fair».
Initially, the fair took place on Vilnius Cathedral Square, then – in the two main markets of the city, later – in virtually several places and on the streets of the city. The fairs were accompanied by carnival processions and theatrical performances. The subject of trade primarily included products of local artisans – household utensils (dishes, baskets), jewelry made from a variety of materials, agricultural implements and other household items.
Currently, this is the Fair of Polish and Lithuanian Folk Crafts, where the main trade items – are mainly products and works of decorative and applied arts.