Restoration of the State Day in Lithuania

Restoration of the State Day in Lithuania is celebrated annually on February 16. This national holiday commemorates the signing of the Act of Independence in 1918, which established Lithuania as an independent, democratic state with Vilnius as its capital. It is one of two independence days in the country, specifically honoring the restoration of statehood following more than a century of foreign rule.

History of Restoration of the State Day in Lithuania

The history of this day is rooted in the geopolitical shifts of World War I. By late 1917, after being part of the Russian Empire since 1795, Lithuania was under German military occupation. In September 1917, the Vilnius Conference elected the 20-member Council of Lithuania with the goal of establishing an independent state. On February 16, 1918, during a meeting in Vilnius, these twenty signatories unanimously adopted and signed the Act of Independence, declaring the restoration of a democratic state free from all foreign ties.

Although the declaration was made, true autonomy was not immediate. Germany, which still occupied the territory, initially censored the news and ignored the document, hoping to maintain Lithuania as a satellite state or protectorate. It was only after Germany’s defeat in November 1918 that Lithuania was able to form its first government. The 1918 Act is considered the legal foundation of the modern Lithuanian state, emphasizing that Lithuania was not a new entity but a continuation of the sovereign statehood that had existed until the late 18th century.

Why is Restoration of the State Day in Lithuania important?

This holiday is vital because it represents the rebirth of the Lithuanian national identity after 123 years of being erased from the world map. Following the third partition of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth in 1795, the nation was absorbed by the Russian Empire, which suppressed the Lithuanian language and culture. The 1918 restoration proved that the desire for self-determination had survived generations of Russification and served as a moral victory that inspired the subsequent formation of national institutions, schools, and a distinct diplomatic presence.

The day also highlights the resilience of democratic values. The signatories of the 1918 Act represented a wide spectrum of political beliefs, yet they reached a unanimous decision to prioritize a democratic republic over other forms of government. This unity is celebrated today as a reminder of the power of national cohesion. While Lithuania later faced Soviet and Nazi occupations, the memory of the 1918 independence provided the legal and historical justification for the Re-Establishment of the State in 1990, bridging the gap between the interwar republic and the modern day.

• It marks the end of 123 years of rule by the Russian Empire.
• The day honors the twenty courageous signatories who risked their lives for freedom.
• It distinguishes Lithuania as a state with deep historical roots dating back to the 13th century.
• The holiday reinforces the principles of democracy and self-determination for all citizens.
• It serves as a precursor to the 1990 restoration of independence from the Soviet Union.

How to Celebrate Restoration of the State Day in Lithuania

Celebrating this day typically involves attending public ceremonies and displays of national pride. In the capital city of Vilnius, the day begins with a solemn ceremony at the Rasos Cemetery, where the signatories of the 1918 Act are buried. Later, a massive tricolor flag-raising ceremony takes place in Independence Square, attended by government leaders and citizens alike. The streets of major cities like Kaunas and Klaipėda are decorated in the national colors of yellow, green, and red, and many people wear traditional clothing or accessories featuring the Vytis (the national coat of arms).

Public gatherings often include the “Path of Statehood” march, where thousands of people, particularly students and young people, walk through the historic streets of Vilnius. Evening celebrations usually feature free open-air concerts in Cathedral Square and the lighting of symbolic bonfires along Gediminas Avenue. For those celebrating at home, it is traditional to prepare a festive meal featuring local dishes like cepelinai or dark rye bread. Many also visit the House of Signatories on Pilies Street, the actual building where the Act of Independence was signed, to view historical exhibits and pay their respects.

• Attend the official flag-raising ceremony in front of the Presidential Palace.
• Join the youth-led march through the Old Town of Vilnius to see the historic sites.
• Visit the House of Signatories to see where the Act of Independence was signed.
• Wear a yellow, green, and red ribbon to show your national pride.
• Watch the evening concerts and fireworks displays in the main city squares.

Restoration of the State Day in Lithuania Dates Table