Portland Lithuanian American Community

The Lithuanian Folk Dance groups “Aitvaras ”(ages 17 and older) and “Aitvariukai” (ages 3 to 16) were founded by Luana and Vilius Zalpys in 1996. They continue to lead the groups to this day. The main goal of “Aitvaras” is to maintain the unique Lithuanian folk dance heritage and pass it on to the future generations. Besides, the folk dance group propagates the Lithuanian culture in the United States by participating in various festivals and events, such as Woodburn Tulip Festival, St. Anthony’s Village of Assisted Living for the elderly, Astoria Scandinavian festival, Baltic Festival, Portland Rose Festival, Lithuanian Independence Day Celebration.