Independence celebrations in Lithuania

In general, the independence of a country is celebrated once a year. But in Lithuania, independence is celebrated twice: on 16 February and 11 March.

Surprising, but it is by looking at the history of the country that one understands better. In the 20th century Lithuania was disputed by several countries, so their independence and a very important holiday in the country. February 16 and March 11, are two dates with their own origin: March 11 is a "simple" holiday, and February 16 is a bank holiday. It corresponds to our French 14 July.

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Some elements of history

Lithuania is an old country, founded around the 13th century, with the creation of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. At that time, Lithuania and Poland became one: the Republic of Two Nations.

At the end of the 18th century, Poland was divided between Prussia (now Germany), Austria and Russia. Lithuania became Russian.

In 1914, the First World War broke out. After the Battle of Warsaw in 1915, Germany occupied part of Russia, including present-day Lithuania. Lithuania is therefore German.

Lithuania declares its independence at the end of the First World War when Germany is weakened. February 16, 1918, became an important date and is the first date commemorated today.

During the inter-war period, Lithuania was a separate country. But in 1940, at the beginning of the Second World War, the Soviet Union annexed Lithuania and the other Baltic States (Latvia and Estonia). Following Operation Barbarossa, the Germans returned to Lithuania, but this time Nazi Germany.

In 1944, Lithuania became Soviet and it was not until 11 March 1990 that Lithuania became the first Soviet republic to declare its independence. This second independence is still celebrated today.

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Commemorations in Vilnius

These two days are widely commemorated, with large gatherings in the streets of Vilnius to celebrate these events.

In both cases, public transport is free and the colours of Lithuania are honoured, not only on flags but also on caps, scarves, gloves...

February 16, 1918, was the date of the signing of the Declaration of Independence of Lithuania from Germany. In Lithuania, this day is called "Lietuvos valstybės atkūrimo dieną".

The whole city centre is pedestrianised! The city's main monuments are also dyed the yellow-green-red trio: the cathedral belfry, the bridges, the town hall, the philharmonic... In addition, some streets are decorated especially for the occasion.

More solemnly, a tribute to the signatories of the Act of Independence is paid in the Rasos Cemetery, a mass is held in Vilnius Cathedral and commemoration is held in the House of the Signatories of the Independence of Lithuania. Braziers are lit by military personnel all along Gediminas Avenue at 6 pm sharp. Everyone gathers on this avenue to admire them.

As explained above, in Lithuania we also commemorate 11 March 1990, marking Lithuania's independence from the USSR this time. In Lithuania, this day is called "Lietuvos Nepriklausomybės atkūrimo diena".

On this day there is a parade of the Lithuanian armed forces, similar to our July 14 parade.