Independence Restoration Day is a big day for Lithuanians. On this occasion, they celebrate the moment Lithuania restored its independence from the Soviet Union in 1990. It’s one of Lithuania’s most important holidays!
This post will tell you everything you need to know about this day, how people in Lithuania celebrate it, and you’ll also get to learn a few basic Lithuanian phrases along the way.
What Is Independence Restoration Day?
Independence Restoration Day is Lithuania’s Independence Day, celebrated on March 11th each year. It commemorates the day the Supreme Council of the Lithuanian SSR signed the Act of the Re-establishment of the State of Lithuania, the 1990 declaration that officially made Lithuania an independent state. That’s not too long ago, which means Lithuania is a relatively young nation!
Why is Independence Day so important to Lithuanians, you may ask? Well, that’s because the road to independence wasn’t easy.
In 1940, during World War II, Lithuania fell under the control of the Soviet Union. It was then occupied by Nazi Germany in 1941, only to fall into the hands of the Soviet Union again in 1944. This period marked a harrowing chapter in Lithuania’s journey to independence as the nation faced repeated occupations and challenges to its sovereignty.
Even so, these adversities hadn’t fazed or dampened the spirits of the Lithuanians one bit. They fought for independence from as early as when they were still being occupied by the Soviet Union, resorting to measures like inciting guerrilla strifes and rallies at Cathedral Square.
It took decades before Lithuania could finally reverse its control under the Soviet Union, but it didn’t give up. At last, the first free and democratic election to the Supreme Council of the Lithuanian SSR took place on February 24th, 1990. The subsequent Act that was signed restored independence, which was declared a national holiday.
This removal of the Soviet Union’s control and the restoration of independence after so many years of fighting is the very reason why Lithuanians celebrate their Independence Day and democracy so proudly and dearly.
How Lithuanians Celebrate Independence Restoration Day
If we consider what happened before Lithuania’s independence, it makes sense why the celebration of Independence Restoration Day is rather solemn.
Every March 11th on the Lithuanian calendar, a parliamentary meeting among the government takes place at the hall where the Act was declared. But this meeting isn’t the only thing happening on this special day, which has been decreed a holiday under the Law of Holidays. Besides remembering and paying respects to the Act, Lithuania celebrates by hosting a series of parades, concerts, and exhibitions in its capital, Vilnius.
Lithuanians kick off the day by laying flowers at the Zinia Monument in Independence Square. This is followed by a meeting at the hall, where young and promising researchers are also awarded state scholarships. So, the day marks both independence and economic progress for the nation.
Activities, workshops, and exhibitions for kids and adults are held before the noon flag-raising ceremony. The flags of all three Baltic States (Estonia, Latvia, and, of course, Lithuania) are raised at Independence Square.
After this, a procession known as “Road to Restoring Independence” pays homage to Lithuania’s struggle for independence. It’s held along Gediminas Avenue, starting from Independence Square and ending at Cathedral Square.
At 1 pm, a mass is held at Vilnius Cathedral Basilica, which is in Vilnius Old Town and is the main Catholic cathedral in Lithuania. After this, the events and exhibitions continue until the end of the day. The people of Lithuania really cherish the freedom they’ve fought so hard for and hold it extremely close to their hearts.
How Do You Say ‘Independence Restoration Day’ In Lithuanian?
Independence Restoration Day in Lithuanian is Lietuvos nepriklausomybės atkūrimo diena.
Easy Lithuanian Phrases For Independence Restoration Day
Intrigued? Now that you’ve learned more about Lithuania’s independence, here are some Lithuanian phrases that may come in handy should you decide to visit Vilnius!
| English | Lithuanian |
|---|---|
| Freedom and independence! | Laisvė ir nepriklausomybė! |
| Long live the ideals of Lithuanian freedom! | Gyvūs Lietuvos laisvės idealai! |
| Congratulations on Independence Day! | Sveikiname su Nepriklausomybės diena! |
| Honor to Lithuania! | Garbė Lietuvai! |
| Heroic Lithuania! | Didvyriška Lietuva! |
| May Lithuania be free forever! | Tebūna Lietuva laisva amžinai! |
| Happy birthday to the state! | Su valstybės gimimo diena! |
| For Lithuania’s happiness! | Laimei Lietuvai! |
| Long live Lithuania’s independence! | Tegyvuoja Lietuvos nepriklausomybė! |
| Our nation, our state! | Mūsų tauta, mūsų valstybė! |
Tips For Celebrating Independence Restoration Day In Lithuania
Will you be celebrating Independence Restoration Day in Lithuania this year? Here are some tips to keep in mind to make the most of the day and experience the local culture like a true Lithuanian:
- Attend the raising of the Lithuanian flag ceremony at Independence Square in Vilnius.
- Join the afternoon procession from Independence Square to Vilnius Cathedral and watch the march of the Lithuanian Armed Forces.
- Visit the Parliament during its open-door hours to see where independence was restored.
- Enjoy free concerts in Kalnų Park or Vilnius Old Town.
- Wear yellow, green, and red to show respect and join in the national spirit.
- Learn about the history by visiting museums or watching documentaries on the 1990 independence restoration.
- Take advantage of free or special-schedule public transport to get around the city easily.
- Dress warmly! March in Lithuania can still be quite cold.
- Learn some Lithuanian vocabulary to chat with locals. Use the Ling app to practice basic phrases.
FAQ: Independence Restoration Day In Lithuania
How Did Lithuania Regain Its Independence?
Lithuania got its independence back on March 11, 1990, when the Act of the Re-Establishment of the State of Lithuania was signed. This ended decades of Soviet control, thanks to political activism and elections led by the Reform Movement of Lithuania, called Sąjūdis.
What Events Led To Lithuania’s Restoration?
Events that led to Lithuania’s independence are years of occupation, a secret resistance, and big public rallies. There are a few key moments, like the first unsanctioned meeting in 1987, the rise of Sąjūdis in 1988, and the first free elections in 1990.
How Is Independence Day Celebrated In Lithuania?
On March 11, there is a parliamentary meeting in the Hall of the Act. There are also concerts, exhibitions, parades, and awards given out to young researchers helping Lithuania’s statehood.
Take Part In Lithuania’s Independence Celebration
Independence Restoration Day is a very important day in Lithuania, and now you know why. This guide gave you all the information you need to celebrate it alongside Lithuanians, or perhaps just to answer a trivia question someday. Either way, remember that Independence Day is on March 11 and that Lithuanians celebrate it with ceremonies, parades, concerts, and exhibitions.
With a little preparation, you can enjoy the day too. Attend the festivities, learn a few simple phrases, and you’ll be ready to experience it like a local!
Learn Lithuanian With Ling And Impress
Want to actually connect with locals during Independence Restoration Day or understand what’s happening around you? Learning a few Lithuanian phrases can make all the difference. People notice when you make the effort!
Ling is a language app where you can learn Lithuanian. With short lessons, mini-games, native speaker audio, and instant feedback, you can practice anywhere, anytime, and feel ready for real conversations.
Download the Ling app today and start learning Lithuanian so your next trip turns into an unforgettable experience!
