Independence Day/National Day in Lithuania ― Date, History, and Details
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Let's dive deeper into learning more about the history of Independence Day/National Day in Lithuania and why people celebrate or observe it.
History of Independence Day/National Day in Lithuania and How to Celebrate/ Observe It
The National Day of Lithuania is celebrated on February 16th. It commemorates the day in 1918 when Lithuania declared its independence from Russia, Germany, and Austria-Hungary. The declaration was signed by twenty Lithuanian representatives in Vilnius.
Lithuania had been occupied by Russia since the early 19th century. The February Revolution of 1917 overthrew the Russian Tsar and created a power vacuum in the country. Lithuania took advantage of this opportunity to declare its independence.
However, the new Lithuanian state was short-lived. In 1918, Germany and Austria-Hungary occupied Lithuania. They were defeated in World War I later that year, and Lithuania once again became an independent state.
The National Day of Lithuania is a public holiday. It is marked with speeches, concerts, and other events.