Statehood Day or Coronation Day is an annual public holiday in Lithuania celebrated on July 6 to commemorate the coronation of Mindaugas as King of Lithuania in 1253. It is an important national observance commemorating the country’s beginnings as a distinct, sovereign nation.
The day has officially been celebrated since 1991. At 9 PM every year local time, Lithuanians all over the world are encouraged to sing the national anthem in the name of unity. The tradition began in 2009, when the anthem was sung to commemorate the millennium of the name of Lithuania. Lithuania is the only country in the world whose diaspora joins the nation in singing the anthem and literally uniting their voices on this day in real time.
Events in the Vilnius region where the anthem will be sung include concerts at Medininkai castle, Nemenčinė hill-fort, and the geographic centre of Europe (in the village of Girija, near Vilnius). Celebrations will take place throughout Lithuanian cities, towns and villages, with a variety of commemorations, concerts, historical exhibitions and festivals. Events also include the presentation of civic awards.
In Toronto, Canada, the Lithuanian Canadian Community invites local Lithuanians and organizations to gather at the church entrance of Resurrection Parish to sing the anthem as a group. Throughout Canada, various Lithuanian communities are organizing gatherings for the singing of the anthem.
Be there!
