Holidays and events of Lithuania. National holidays of Lithuania Day of the capital of Kazakhstan - Astana

VILNIUS, July 6 – Sputnik, Alexander Lipovets. After secession from the USSR and Lithuania’s restoration of independence on March 11, 1990, the leadership of the Republic of Lithuania first decided on the main holiday of statehood.

And although the first mention of Lithuania in the Quedlinburg Annals dates back to 1009, historians trace the formation of the Lithuanian state as such back to 1252. That year, the papal crown was placed on the head of Grand Duke Mindaugas and he began to be called the “King of Lithuania” - the first and only one in history. As other lands were annexed to Lithuania, the title of King of Lithuania was supplemented by their names. For example, after the annexation of the lands of the Kiev region to Lithuania, Mindaugas began to be called “the king of the Litvins and many Rusyns.”

Before the coronation of Mindaugas, on the territory of modern Lithuania and the adjacent Baltic states (Latvia, Poland), as well as Russia, Belarus and Ukraine, there was an early feudal unification of several principalities. It was formalized by an agreement with the Volyn-Galician principality, which was signed by the princes of Lithuania, Diavoltva and Samogit. Among the five princes who signed that treaty in 1219, Prince Mindaugas is also mentioned. It was he who subsequently concentrated power in his hands and became the Grand Duke.

At that time, the inhabitants and princes of the Lithuanian lands were pagans. Two Christian churches - Catholic and Orthodox - first collided on the Baltic shores. The first preachers of Orthodoxy came to these lands from the east, and from the west the crusaders carried the Catholic faith on their shields. It was precisely during the reign of the pagan Grand Duke Mindaugas that the acute question arose about who to join - Rome or Byzantine Kyiv.

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Mindaugas made a choice in favor of Rome. In order to retain for Lithuania at least part of Samogitia, which was claimed by the crusaders, in 1251 Mindaugas accepted Catholicism, and then on July 6, 1253 - the crown from the Pope and became the first official ruler of Lithuania. It was this day that was recognized by the deputies of the restored Seimas of Lithuania as the starting date of Lithuanian statehood.

After accepting Christianity, Mindaugas himself made peace with the crusaders. During this “peaceful” coexistence, in 1252 he managed to annex Black Rus', Polotsk and Pinsk principalities to the Lithuanian lands, and after a short battle with the Galician-Volyn principality, in 1253, he became related and concluded an agreement with the Galician prince Daniil. Mindaugas married his daughter to his son Daniel.

The Lithuanian principality under the leadership of Mindaugas grew stronger and already in 1255 his army marched on Lublin and burned this Polish city. For this, the Pope declared the first crusade against obstinate Lithuania. The second followed in 1257. And during the third campaign of the Crusaders in 1260, the united Lithuanian army defeated the knights of the Livonian and Teutonic orders at Lake Durbe.

After that victory, Mindaugas renounced the crown and Catholicism and again became a pagan. In 1262, he even concluded an agreement against the knights of the Teutonic Order with the Vladimir-Suzdal Grand Duke Alexander Nevsky, who had previously defeated the crusaders on Lake Peipus in 1242.

Mindaugas was killed as a result of a conspiracy by the feudal nobility, not so much because of politics, but because of male incontinence.

Widowed in 1263, he forcibly married the younger sister of his late wife, who was already married to the district prince Dovmont. He did not forgive Mindaugas for his offense. Together with an accomplice, the Samogitian prince Troinat, in the fall of the same year, when the main forces of the grand ducal army set off on a campaign against Bryansk, Dovmont and Troinat killed Mindaugas.

This is how the life of the first and only king of Lithuania, Mindaugas, ended ingloriously. His merit as a statesman is that in such a difficult period of history, Mindaugas was able to preserve and increase the Lithuanian lands, which later became the center of the first European state with democratic inclinations, known as the Grand Duchy of Lithuania.

As part of this year's celebration, residents of Lithuania are also invited to sing the national anthem at 100 Lithuanian fortifications - the event "National Song (Lithuanian Anthem) - Around the World" will take place at 21:00.

Whether you want to see traditional folk dancing, listen to the latest jazz or attend an international art exhibition, you will find it all in Lithuania. Most of the cultural life takes place in Vilnius, but this does not mean that nothing happens in other cities. Information about the cultural life of Lithuania in English can be found on the website www.culture.lt.

January

Epiphany, Vilnius. Three biblical wise men walk through the streets of the city, blessing children and distributing gifts.

Horse racing on Lake Sartai. The races take place on the frozen lake Sartai near Utena. Sometimes horse races are held in the city of Duestos. The first races take place in January. They select participants in the national races, which are held on the first Saturday of February;

Baptism in Vilnius

February

Lithuanian Independence Day. The national holiday in honor of independence is celebrated on February 16 throughout the country. Each region celebrates the revival of the Lithuanian state in its own way; www.lrkm.lt.

Vilnius book exhibition. This is the largest annual book exhibition in the Baltic region. More than 50,000 people visit it annually. The exhibition is held by the Lithuanian Publishers Association at the Lit-expo center; www.litexpo.lt.

March

Kaziukas street fair, Vilnius. On the first weekend of March, a traditional fair of folk crafts and crafts is held, dedicated to the patron saint of Lithuania, St. Casimir. This tradition is over 400 years old. The holiday is celebrated throughout the city; www.turizmas.vilnius.lt.

The vernal equinox. On the day of the vernal equinox (March 20-21) Lithuanians plant trees and raise the Flag of the Earth; www.lrkm.lt.

April

International Jazz Festival, Kaunas. This is one of the most popular jazz festivals in Europe, featuring famous performers; www.kaunasjazz.lt.

International Dance Festival, Vilnius. One of the most interesting festivals in the Baltic states. This is a real celebration of the new Baltic dance; www. turizmas. Vilnius. It.

May

International Folklore Festival (Skamba, Skamba Kankliai), Vilnius. At the end of May a festival is held, which brings together folk groups from all over Lithuania and other countries. Concerts take place right on the streets of the Old Town; www.turizmas.vilnius.lt.

June

Vilnius festival. Since 1997, a festival has been held in Vilnius every summer. It starts in June and continues throughout July. Famous classical music performers take part in the festival. Each year the festival is dedicated to a new theme. Concerts take place at the National Opera and Ballet Theatre, in the Great Courtyard of Vilnius University and in the Bernardine Church, www. turizmas.vilnius.lt.

Night of St. John (Jonines). This holiday takes place on the summer solstice. Bonfires are lit everywhere, folk songs are sung and pagan rituals are performed; www.lrkm.lt.

August

Annual country music festival, Visaginas. In the young city of Visaginas (he is only 30 years old), located near the border with Latvia and Belarus, is an international country music festival that is a must see. The most eccentric event of the year; www.visaginocountry.lt.

Summer Music Festival of St. Christopher, Vilnius. Works of classical and popular music are performed at the concerts. You can attend an organ concert or listen to jazz; www.turizmas.vilnius.lt.

September

International Jazz Festival, Vilnius. Lithuania occupies a prominent place in the world of jazz. This is the oldest annual festival held in Vilnius; www.vilniusjazz.lt.

November

December

Feast of Blucas. This holiday is celebrated on the shortest day of the year, December 23. Old logs, symbolizing evil spirits, are thrown out into the street, and then bonfires are lit. Christmas mysteries are played in Vilnius; www.lrkm.lt.

Public holidays in Lithuania

January 1 - New Year and Lithuanian Flag Day
February 16 - Day of Restoration of Statehood of Lithuania
March 11 - Day of Restoration of Independence of Lithuania
March/April - Easter, Easter Monday
May 1 - International Labor Day
June 14 - Day of National Sorrow and Hope
June 23-24 - Jonines - Feast of St. John (Ivan Kupala)
July 6 - Statehood Day in Lithuania (timed to coincide with the coronation day of Mindaugas)
August 15 - Jolin - Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
August 23 - Mourning Ribbon Day (Day of the conclusion of the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact)
September 8 - Coronation Day of Vytautas the Great
October 25 - Constitution Day of Lithuania
November 1 - Velines - All Saints Day
December 24-25 - Kaledos - Catholic Christmas

Today, July 6, the world celebrates a wonderful holiday - World Kiss Day, also today in many countries of the world workers of the sea and river fleet celebrate their Day, in Lithuania they celebrate Statehood Day (Lithuania), in Kazakhstan - the Day of the Capital of Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan celebrates Medical Worker's Day.

World Kiss Day

World Kiss Day is a holiday for all people on the planet, because we have all at one time or another felt the gentle touch of someone's lips. The very first kiss, of course, was my mother's. On this holiday, everyone who wishes can “exchange their souls” with full rights, because today, July 6, many countries around the world celebrate World Kiss Day, which was approved by the United Nations two decades ago. On this day, various kissing competitions are held in many cities around the world; participants can win prizes and gifts.
The authorship of the first kiss has not yet been established. But, of course, it was not invented and named after the inventor, who left a wet imprint on his girlfriend's cheek, connecting and immediately releasing his lips with a characteristic sound.

Sea and River Fleet Workers Day

Sea and river transport are one of the key sectors of the economy. Professional holiday - Sea and River Fleet Workers' Day is celebrated in many countries of the world, and primarily in Russia, every year on the first Sunday of July according to the Decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR, approved on October 1, 1980. This year the Day celebration fell on July 6th.

Statehood Day

In Lithuania, July 6 is a national holiday - Statehood Day, which was dedicated to the event of 1252 - the coronation day of Prince Mindaugas. According to modern Lithuanian historians, Lithuania dates its statehood precisely from this event.
Today, few of the celebrating Lithuanians remember that when the prince was crowned, in the 13th century, the dark period of the Inquisition began in Europe and there was no democracy there. Then, according to historians, from 30 to 300 thousand people were killed in torture dungeons and at the stake.
John Paul II, the head of the Roman Catholic Church, recently publicly repented for the times of religious wars, violence and the fires of the Inquisition.

Day of the capital of Kazakhstan - Astana

On July 6, Kazakhstan celebrates Capital Day, a public holiday established on June 25, 2008 by the Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan. This holiday has important historical and cultural significance for the people of Kazakhstan; it is a symbol of the achievements of this Republic. The first name of the capital Astana in 1830-1961 was Akmolinsk, then in 1961-1992 Tselinograd, in 1992-1998 Akmola, and on May 6, 1998 Nursultan Nazarbayev, the President of Kazakhstan, signed a decree renaming the capital Akmola to Astana. The main events and celebrations of the Capital Day of Kazakhstan are taking place in Astana today. This day also marks the birthday of the head of state, Nursultan Nazarbayev.

Medical Worker Day in Kyrgyzstan

The professional holiday Kyrgyz Medical Worker's Day is celebrated in Kyrgyzstan annually on the first Sunday of July; this year the holiday fell on July 6. That Day was established on June 8, 1993 by the Decree of the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic in connection with the adoption of the law of the Republic of Kyrgyzstan in July 1992.
On the eve of this professional holiday, ceremonial meetings of the medical community of the republic are usually held in the country. They are attended by representatives of the President, the Government of different countries, international organizations, veterans of the republican healthcare system and medical workers from all over Kyrgyzstan.

Unusual holidays

Today, July 6, you can celebrate an unusual and cool holiday called “The Feast That Never Happened”

A holiday that never happened

There are many different holidays in the world, but no one knows which holiday “has not happened.” This is probably a holiday that we don’t know anything about yet, that hasn’t happened yet today. And tomorrow? And tomorrow everything can be, maybe today’s holiday will become the most famous tomorrow...
A holiday that never happened
Sacrifice yourself
Like a bright fire
May it burn forever...

Religious holiday

Agrafena Swimsuit

On this day, Orthodox Christians honor the memory of the holy Roman martyr Agrippina, or Agrafena in Russian, who in her youth decided not to marry and devote her entire life to serving God.
During the persecution of Christians, she had to appear before a pagan court, experience torture and spend time in prison, but despite these torments, Agrippina did not renounce her faith.
God, as a reward for her perseverance, sent her an angel who freed the girl from her bonds, but she still died from the torture she endured.
The Christian women Vassa, Pavla and Agathonika took the body of the martyr to Sicily and buried her there. Subsequently, numerous miracles were performed at the tomb of Saint Agrippina.
Agrafena was nicknamed the Bathing Lady because on this day bathing began in the evening and the famous night of Ivan Kupala began.
Agrafena Bathing, Ivan Kupala and Peter and Paul in the popular consciousness merged into one big holiday, which absorbed Christian traditions and was filled with great meaning and pagan beliefs. In ancient times, these holidays necessarily included rituals, signs, fortune telling, and legends.
All residents of the village on Agrafenu washed themselves in baths, bathed in rivers, while consuming various herbal infusions. They believed that the herbs and roots collected on the night of Ivan Kupala had healing powers. The legend about the fern flower, which blooms for just a few minutes only once a year on this magical night, was passed down among the people from mouth to mouth.
During the day on Agrafena, all the girls put on their best outfits and begged their relatives for gifts - various jewelry, ribbons and scarves. And in the evening, the girls gathered with one of their friends to pound barley in a mortar, so that the next day they could cook porridge from it, which strengthens women's health.
It was customary for peasants to sow turnips on Agrafena. They sowed and said: “Mother turnip, be strong, neither sparse nor thick - until Lent.”
Name day July 6 from: Agrippina (Agrafena), Alexander, Alexei, Anton, Artemy, Herman, Joseph, Cornelius, Mitrofan, Peter, Svyatoslav, Fedor

July 6th in history

1945 - The demobilization of military personnel from the ranks of the USSR Armed Forces began after the Second World War.
1961 - A powerful gush of oil hit well No. 6 in Zhetybay. From this moment on, the year of the discovery of Mangystau oil is considered.
1969 - On the site of the former village of Khatyn (Minsk region of Belarus), a memorial architectural and sculptural complex was opened in memory of the inhabitants of Belarusian villages and hamlets completely destroyed by the fascist occupiers.
1971 - In the United States, voting rights were granted to persons over 18 years of age (previously - over 21 years of age).
1975 - Alibek Kantemirov (b. 1882), Ossetian horseman rider, horse trainer, People's Artist of the RSFSR, Honored Artist of North Ossetia, died.
1977 - As a result of a military coup, General Zia ul-Haq came to power in Pakistan.
1978 - The KGB of the USSR was removed from subordination to the Council of Ministers of the USSR.
1986 - The first Goodwill Games opened in Moscow.
1994 - Child labor is banned in China.
1999 - Cuba sues the United States for $181 billion for damages caused by a 40-year economic blockade.
2007 - At the IOC session in Guatemala, Sochi was chosen as the venue for the XXII Olympic Winter Games in 2014

Residents of Lithuania know how and love to have fun, they value traditions and are happy to share their culture with guests. Every season of the year there is a holiday that is celebrated throughout the country in a bright, colorful and unforgettable way.

Spring

The main spring festival is the Kaziukas Fair.

Kaziukas Fair

This large fair is held on the first weekend of March in honor of the patron saint of all Lithuania and protector of artisans, St. Casimir. This tradition is hundreds of years old. The first festive procession of craftsmen, workers from craft workshops, students and nobles was organized back in 1604.

Nowadays, the Kaziukas Fair is a kind of gathering of folk craftsmen from all over the country, as well as Latvia, Russia and Poland. More than 1000 craftsmen take part in it. The holiday begins with a grand procession through the streets of Vilnius, and then artisans fill the streets of the Old Town with their goods. Potters, woodcarvers, blacksmiths, jewelers, weavers, tanners and other craftsmen offer their products to guests of Kazyukas. Required souvenirs:

"Kazimirki" - beautifully decorated willow branches.
Gingerbread cookies with biblical text.
Knitting bagels.
Amber jewelry.
Ceramics.
Household utensils made of woven straw.

Between the shopping arcades, to maintain the strength of the participants and guests of the fair, there are trays with snacks and sweets, they also sell traditional kvass and beer, and treat you to hot wine with spices. The fair is always accompanied by large-scale folk festivities with songs and dances, at which performances by choirs and amateur musicians are held. The main celebration takes place in the heart of the capital.

The Kaziukas Fair turns Vilnius into a pedestrian city for several days, occupying the Town Hall Square, Dzheji, Piles, Vokečia, Rudninka streets and nearby squares with a motley crowd.

Summer

In the summer, Lithuania celebrates several holidays that are celebrated throughout the country.

Jonines

This is one of the most beloved holidays of Lithuanians, rivaled only by Christmas. It is celebrated every year on the day of the summer solstice by the whole country, and the festivities last for 4 whole days - from June 21 to June 24.

The second name of Jonines is Rosos, the festival of dew. This is a pagan holiday and in its traditions it is very reminiscent of the Belarusian Kupalle, the Russian Ivan Kupala and the Latvian Ligo. On the shortest night of the year, bonfires are lit, wreaths are woven and floated on water, fortune telling and magical rituals are performed. The main one is the search for a blooming fern, which will indicate the place where the treasure is buried.

Another immutable ritual for couples in love is jumping hand in hand through the fire. Whoever decides to do this will live together in complete harmony. Local residents will definitely advise a guest of the country to collect herbs on a wonderful night and take lake water, at which time they acquire healing powers.

All mystical events of the holiday are accompanied by songs and dances in folk costumes, festivals and concerts.

Its traditional epicenter is Vilnius: Verkiai Regional Park and the neighborhoods between the two bridges over Neris - Baltasis and Žaliasis.

During the holiday:

The tables are set.
Hot and cold snacks are served.
Beer flows like a river.

But they celebrate no less joyfully in other cities, especially in the famous resort Palanga and ancient Kernava.

Statehood Day

Statehood Day in Lithuania falls on July 6th. This date is very important for the inhabitants of the country, since it was on this day in 1252 that Prince Mindaugas was crowned, contributing to the unification of the Lithuanian lands. The holiday is celebrated very solemnly.

A flag-raising ceremony is held at the Presidential Palace in the capital's Daukanto Square. An evening festive mass is held in the Cathedral for residents of the capital and its guests.

After it, all officials are invited to an official government reception. At this time, ordinary people walk less solemnly, but more joyfully. In all cities the following are organized:

Free concerts in open areas.
Cafes and restaurants are open.
Souvenirs with national symbols are sold.

Read what souvenirs you can buy in Vilnius.

Autumn

The autumn months in Lithuania are also interesting for both locals and tourists.

Capital Days

Residents of Lithuania are very sensitive to all symbols of their statehood. Perhaps this is why the holiday dedicated to the capital lasts several days. It falls on the first weekend of September.

The main place of celebration, of course, is Vilnius itself. The center of fun is Gediminas Avenue, or, as they call it these days, Buzzing Avenue. For three days it turns into a huge, cheerful, noisy fair. How not to get confused when you see the huge number of products on offer? Buy whatever your heart desires! The main thing is not to forget about. The real thing can only be tasted at the fair, and store-bought copies can never compare with it.

Two more mandatory items on the shopping list are rustic white cheese with different fillings and the famous Lithuanian black ceramics.

Winter

In winter, all Lithuanian cities are transformed, because at this time the most interesting holidays are celebrated.

Blucas Day

On December 22, all of Lithuania celebrates Blukas Day. This is a special character. It looks like a big decrepit stump and symbolizes all the failures, troubles and hardships of the past year. In order not to take them into the New Year, the stump is dragged along all the streets and then burned.

On this holiday, every large city in the country holds processions of mummers, organizes performances by folklore ensembles and theater groups, and folk festivals. But, of course, they have the most fun in the capital.

Three Kings Day

This holiday has a religious background. It is held on January 6 and is dedicated to the three biblical wise men - Kasparas, Märkelis and Baltazaras. Their huge figures are carried through the streets of Vilnius, and the actors surrounding them portray archangels and shepherds. The procession moves from Ostrobramskie Gate to Cathedral Square. Its participants congratulate the city residents on Christmas and New Year and wish them all the best.

Another tradition is the laying of gifts in a wooden manger erected in front of the main metropolitan cathedral. There, everyone can watch a short play “Bethlehem” about the birth of the baby Jesus.

In all Vilnius cathedrals, on January 6, a chalk consecration ceremony is held. You definitely need to take part in this event, so that you can then draw lightning signs in the house with a white piece and write the initial letters of the names of the Magi, so that they protect the family from harm.

Maslenitsa

Residents of Lithuania celebrate this holiday from February 5 to March 6. These days it is customary to eat a lot of rich and fatty foods, and all cafes, restaurants and pubs serve the traditional Maslenitsa dish - pancakes.

On the last day of the holiday, a merry procession of mummers on stilts is organized in Vilnius. And with the onset of darkness, they burn the evil Moret - the soul of the evil winter. The effigy, stuffed with straw, is brought on a cart or wheel. When it lights up, thousands of fireworks fly into the sky. This is how the residents of Lithuania say goodbye to winter.