The Lithuanian port city of Klaipėda is marking its 772nd anniversary on Thursday.
Memelburg, or Klaipėda Castle, was first mentioned in a document dated July 29, 1252, in which the Grand Master of the Livonian Order, Eberhard von Zeine, and the Bishop of Courland, Heinrich, agreed on the construction of a castle between the Nemunas and the Dangė rivers.
In the same year, a wooden castle was built at the mouth of the Dangė river. It was rebuilt many times until it was demolished in the 19th century after losing its strategic importance.
The city flag will be hoisted at noon at the Klaipėda Castle. As 2024 has been declared the Year of Lighthouses, the flag will be solemnly carried and hoisted by people connected with maritime culture, current and future sailors.
An educational afternoon will be held in Karlskrona Square, with a concert by the ancient music ensemble Hansanova, a medieval dance programme, presentations of ancient crafts and games, reminiscences of the most important moments in the history of Klaipėda, and a performance of noble fights.
In the afternoon, a commemorative plaque will be unveiled on the building of the Blacksmithing Museum dedicated to the founder of the museum, folk artist and restorer Dionyzas Varkalis (1934–2022).
In the evening, the titles of Master of Culture and Honorary Citizen of the City will be conferred.
This year, the titles of Master of Culture will be conferred on sculptor Klaudijus Pūdymas, photographer Bronis Vytas Karaciejus and Bronislava Lauciuvienė, former director of the Immanuel Kant Public Library of Klaipėda City Municipality.
For the first time, the honouring of the Masters of Culture will not take place in the closed premises of the Castle Museum, where invited persons were usually admitted, but in the central Theatre Square.
“I wish to every citizen of Klaipėda, who lives here or loves Klaipėda from afar, that the sense of pride in their city will only grow stronger, that Klaipėda will become an even stronger attraction for those looking for education, a place to work, or a place to live,” said Klaipėda Mayor Arvydas Vaitkus.
The title of Klaipėda Master of Culture is awarded to artists or other cultural workers for their outstanding contribution to the city’s culture.
In addition, the title of Honorary Citizen of Klaipėda is traditionally awarded to individuals for their outstanding services to the city. So far, it has been awarded to 22 people.
The ceremony will be followed by a concert in the Theatre Square.
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