News2021.02.16 11:49

Lithuania marks State Restoration Day – photos

BNS 2021.02.16 11:49

On Tuesday, Lithuania marks the Restoration of the State Day. On February 16, 1918, the Council of Lithuania proclaimed the country's independence, founded on democratic principles and with Vilnius as its capital.

The celebrations this year have been scaled down due to the pandemic and all major events will be broadcast live on television.

Some of the traditional events, such as a march from Cathedral Square to Rasos Cemetery and the lighting of bonfires in Gediminas Avenue, were cancelled this year.

The state's leaders will pay tribute to the act’s signatories at Vilnius' Rasos Cemetery, and a state awards ceremony will be broadcast from the Presidential Palace. President Gitanas Nausėda will deliver a speech at midday.

The state flags of the three Baltic states will be raised outside the Presidential Palace at noon and a Holy Mass will be held at Vilnius Cathedral at 12:30.

A Lithuanian tricolour has also been raised at the top of Vilnius' TV Tower in the morning.

On Monday evening, the capital's landmark Gediminas Hill and Monument of the Three Crosses were lit up yellow, green, and red.

In Canada, the Niagara Falls will be illuminated in the Lithuanian national colours and the country's tricolour will be also hoisted in front of Ottawa's Municipal Building and in some other cities.

Correction: the earlier version of this article incorrectly named the anniversary as the Independence Restoration Day.

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