Day Of Restoration Of The State Of Lithuania 2024: Day Of Restoration Of The State Of Lithuania is observed on February 16 and is one of the two festivities of Lithuanian Independence Day. It’s a period when the yellow, green, and red national colors are shown around the nation. Few countries can celebrate two days of independence. Since Lithuania was the largest country in Europe and a sovereign state until the 13th century, its liberation from foreign domination is even more significant because it brings back its former splendor.
Day Of Restoration Of The State Of Lithuania History
In Lithuania, Restoration of the State Day is frequently mistaken for Independence Restoration Day. These two days are recognized as National Independence Days and are public holidays throughout the nation. On the other hand, the former represents the recovery of the state’s lost grandeur from the Germans, whereas the latter commemorates the return of freedom from the Soviet Union.
An autonomous European nation with a rich history, Lithuania existed earlier in the 13th century and continued to do so until the late 18th century. However, the Russian Empire overran the nation and remained in control of it until the First World War. During World War I, German forces occupied Lithuania between 1914 and 1917. When the Russians began counterattacks, the Germans offered Lithuanians an option to support them or the Russians, expecting that the people would side with them.
But on February 16, 1918, the valiant Lithuanians proclaimed their independence from German control, rejecting both Germany and Russia. Lithuania gained its first independence on this day. Since Lithuania had previously been a sovereign state, the day was designated in Lithuania as Restoration of the State Day to symbolize their regaining that status.
Every February 16 since then, the nation has commemorated its independence. Unfortunately, they were only able to enjoy their independence for 22 years before the Soviet Union occupied the nation during World War II. As a result, it is inevitably one of the few nations to have experienced two Russian occupations. Up until Lithuanians and Estonians banded together to stage protests and demand yet another independence, the nation was still under Russian rule after World War II. When their efforts paid off in 1990, they were able to reclaim their independence on March 16 and celebrated Independence Day once more.
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How To Visit the Day Of Restoration Of The State Of Lithuania
Plan enjoyable activities.
Plan enjoyable events like theater, dancing, and local music performances. Ensure that every event highlights the nation’s rich past.
Accept Lithuanian customs
Respecting and even assimilating a culture is one of the greatest gifts you can give a nation and its people. To demonstrate your appreciation, dress in traditional clothing, create local cuisine, and lead folk music.
Raise the flag
There is no doubt that the people of Lithuania are extremely proud of their flag. Don’t only wear body art, fly the flag, and deck yourself out in the yellow, red, and green colors of Lithuania.
5 Famous Facts About Lithuania
- The oldest Indo-European language still in use in all of Europe is Lithuanian.
- Every year on Saint Patrick’s Day, the River Vilnia in Lithuania is colored a vibrant emerald green.
- In fact, “The Scent of Lithuania” is the national perfume of Lithuania, formulated with wildflowers, raspberries, ginger, musk fragrances, and sandalwood.
- Forests cover around one-third (40%) of the nation.
- It was the last nation in Europe to convert to Christianity and was once home to the Romuva heathen faith.
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Why Day Of Restoration Of The State Of Lithuania is Important
It symbolizes the end of colonialism.
The national holiday commemorates the end of German occupation of the nation. It is the return of the Lithuanian people’s long-lost freedom.
It’s a lot of fun.
The public loves this day because it offers so many fascinating things to do. The capital of Lithuania hosts free concerts and parades in its cathedral plaza, which heightens the celebratory atmosphere of the country.
It displays Lithuania’s cultural legacy.
On this day, cultural exhibits showcase Lithuania’s rich cultural heritage to the world. The nation’s indigenous heritage stands out thanks to its historical ties to Poland, as well as its own Lithuanian language, Nordic influences, and Christian traditions.
DAY OF RESTORATION OF THE STATE OF LITHUANIA DATES
Year | Date | Day |
---|---|---|
2024 | February 16 | Friday |
2025 | February 16 | Sunday |
2026 | February 16 | Monday |
2027 | February 16 | Tuesday |
2028 | February 16 | Wednesday |