   The Folk Ensemble “Šatrija” of Luokė Culture Centre, Telšiai District Municipality, has been active since 1972, when a group of singers, brought together by Lithuanian language teacher Joana Vaigauskaitė-Misiūnienė from the then Luokė Secondary School, first performed during a Shrovetide carnival held in the town.
   In 2022, the ensemble celebrated its 50th anniversary and prepared a concert program titled “From the First Cry to the Last Breath” for the occasion. The current director Vilija Benešienė and the present ensemble members believe that the secret to the group’s longevity is the sincere and close relationship between the director and the members.
   Today, the ensemble consists of 18 participants, aged between 53 and 75 years.
   More than a decade ago, the folklore ensemble learned to sing the unique “Žemaitiška votyva” — hymns performed in the Samogitian dialect — though this is only a small part of the group’s repertoire. The ensemble mainly performs continuous and other Samogitian songs, dances, circle dances, and storytelling from the LuokÄ— region.
   Most of their performances take place outside their local area — the ensemble is frequently invited to present their Samogitian concert program in various regions of Lithuania.
   The group participates in folk festivals and celebrations almost every year.
   Every year, the ensemble members also go on educational trips within Lithuania or abroad.
   Artistic director: Vilija Benešienė
