Feb 16, 2019
Lithuania Independence Day 2019
This Doodle’s Key Themes
Today’s Doodle commemorates Independence Day in Lithuania, a nation in eastern Europe with a long, proud history. During medieval times, the Grand Duchy of Lithuania stretched from the Baltic to the Black Seas, making it the largest state in Europe. In 1795, the country’s alliance with Poland came to end after more than 200 years as partners, after which most of Lithuania became part of the Russian Empire. This continued until a period of German occupation during World War I. On this day in 1918, the Council of Lithuania unanimously adopted the Act of Independence, a document proclaiming the nation as a sovereign democratic state with Vilnius as its capital.
Lithuanians celebrate Independence Day in all major cities. Schools and various businesses close down and many citizens dress in the national colors of yellow, green, and red—representing golden fields of grain, green forests, and patriotic pride.
The Lithuanian National Opera and Ballet Theater hold special performances in the capital city and free concerts in Cathedral Square are open to the public. Family and friends gather to enjoy Lithuanian folk music, dance, and traditional delicacies like cepelinai dumplings and Šakotis or tree cake.
Happy Independence Day, Lithuania!
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