Lithuanian Independence Day

February 16th is Lithuanian Independence Day commemorating the day in 1918 when the Lithuanian Council declared Lithuania a sovereign state. While the declaration indicated Vilnius as the capital city of Lithuania, it became a Polish city and the Lithuanian administration was forced to move to Kaunas (the temporary capital).

Flags out on my block.

There were many events throughout the day, regardless of the never ending snow! (it's been snowing here for days!). At the President's House, there was a ceremony where the Lithuanian, Estonian and Latvian flags were raised, each while their national anthems were played. You can listen to the National Anthem here.

Big crowd at the President's House in Old Town.

The military band marches around the President's house.

There were other ceremonies all over the city, but none very well publicized. It was difficult to know where and when. We heard the band playing and headed over to this square to find another event.

In the evening, there were bonfires lit along Gediminas Avenue and concerts in Town Hall square.