Independence Restoration Day 2024 (Lithuania): March 11 is observed as Independence Restoration Day, a national holiday in Lithuania. The national holiday commemorates the eleventh of March, 1990, when Lithuania proclaimed its independence from the Soviet Union. It is frequently misidentified as February 16, which is Restoration of the State Day.
Preservation Day commemorates autonomy from German rule, whereas Restoration of the State Day honors autonomy from the Soviet Union. Independence Restoration Day is observed with parades, concerts, and museum displays in Lithuania.
Day honoring the history of independence’s restoration
Lithuania ceased to be an independent nation in the nineteenth century and was incorporated into the Russian Empire. In the aftermath of the First World War, on February 16, 1918, Lithuania attained its independence. The former name for Independence Day was Restoration of the State Day. This independence commemoration, which Lithuanians regarded with great enthusiasm, was brief, as the Soviet Union occupied the country in 1940, during the Second World War. The Lithuanian people were determined not to allow their liberties to deteriorate. Together with Estonia and Latvia, they constructed the Baltic Way, an approximately two million-person human chain spanning nearly 400 miles.
The Lithuanian people persisted in their struggle for independence from the Soviet Union. The reform policies implemented by Mikhail Gorbachev in the Soviet Union inspired the Lithuanian people to persist in their pursuit of independence. In 1990, after fifty years of Soviet occupation, the people of Lithuania voted for self-government. The democratically elected parliament of Lithuania proclaimed March 11, 1990, as the country’s second Independence Day.
In response, the Soviet Union imposed economic sanctions and considered using force against Lithuania, but the outrage of the general public prevented these actions. They ultimately acquiesced to defeat and ratified Lithuania’s independence in 1991. The Russian Federation formally acknowledged the reestablishment of independence in Lithuania by executing a cross-border relations agreement with the country on July 29, 1991.
Many perished in the conflict for the independence of Lithuania. By 2004, Lithuania had acceded to European Union membership. Three decades have passed since Lithuania was liberated from Soviet occupation. Lithuania annually observes Independence Day to honor its past and its struggle for liberty. What an honorable reason to commemorate!
Adelaide Cup Day 2024 (Australia): History, FAQs, Dates, Activities, and Facts
Canberra Day 2024 (Australia): Activities, History, FAQs, Dates, and Facts
National Promposal Day 2024 (US): Activities and Dates
FAQs for Independence Restoration Day
For what is Lithuania renowned?
Lithuania is renowned for its national forests and verdant landscapes.
Who are the Lithuanians descended from?
It is said that 500 noble Romans established the lineages of Lithuanian dukes and gentry.
What motivates Lithuanians to be Catholic?
During the Russian Empire, Lithuania maintained its Catholic identity when certain Catholic clerics spearheaded the resistance against a communist regime.
Independence Restoration Day 2024 (Lithuania) Activities
Raise awareness
Utilize hashtags and share social media images and posts to raise awareness about this momentous occasion and the events that precipitated it. Utilize the #IndependenceRestorationDay hashtag.
Attend the ceremony of raising the flag
The flag-raising ceremony is conducted in communities throughout Lithuania and is conducted virtually. The flags of Lithuania and the Baltic states are displayed throughout the ceremony.
Preparing and savoring a Lithuanian feast
Prepare a feast of Lithuanian cuisine for family and friends. ‘Žirniai Su Spirgučiais’ (split peas and crispy bacon), ‘Saltibarsciai’ (beetroot broth), ‘Vedarai’ (sausages), and ‘Kibinai’ (stuffed crimped pies) are some of the dishes that can be prepared.
Five Interesting Facts Regarding the Restoration of Independence Day in Lithuania
Democratic Nominees
In 1992, Lithuania held its first democratic elections since the fall of the Soviet Union; the Lithuanian Democratic Labor Party emerged victorious.
The restoration of independence to Lithuania sparked a revolution.
After Lithuania achieved independence from the Soviet Union, fifteen additional states subsequently followed suit.
An ancient European tongue
Lithuanian is among the most ancient languages still spoken in Europe.
The largest nation in Europe
After the 14th century, Lithuania occupied the greatest landmass in Europe.
The fastest internet in the world
You may be surprised to learn that the internet broadband connection in Lithuania is the fastest in the world.
INDEPENDENCE RESTORATION DAY DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | March 11 | Monday |
| 2025 | March 11 | Tuesday |
| 2026 | March 11 | Wednesday |
| 2027 | March 11 | Thursday |
| 2028 | March 11 | Saturday |
