Feb 16, 2023
Lithuania Independence Day 2023
This Doodle’s Key Themes
Today’s Doodle celebrates the Restoration of the State Day in Lithuania. On this day in 1918, the Council of Lithuania chose not to join Germany or Russia. Instead, the Lithuanians signed the Act of Independence, declaring Lithuania a sovereign state with Vilnius as the capital.
The country has two independence days, with the second one on March 11th, called Restoration of Independence Day, celebrating the end of Soviet rule in 1990.
The Restoration of the State Day honors Lithuania’s struggles and perseverance to gain independence. Those who signed the Act of Independence are honored throughout the day, and people of all ages learn about the significance of the holiday.
To celebrate the national holiday, schools and businesses close so folks can attend festivities around the country. These include flag-raising ceremonies, free opera concerts, and ballet performances in the cathedral square in Vilnius. Many don the national colors of red, green, and yellow and wave the Lithuanian flag like the one waving in today’s Doodle. Those watching the celebrations often enjoy Lithuanian delicacies like burokėlių sriuba (beetroot soup), šakotis (a traditional cake), and the national dish cepelinai (potato and pork dumplings).
Happy Restoration of the State Day, Lithuania!
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