When is the Independence Day of Lithuania?

The Independence Day of Lithuania is celebrated on February 16 each year. This date marks the Act of Independence of 1918, when Lithuania declared its restoration as a sovereign state, separate from foreign rule.

Is the Independence Day of Lithuania a public holiday?

Yes, the Independence Day of Lithuania is a public holiday. Schools, government offices, and many businesses remain closed, and the country observes celebrations, ceremonies, and cultural events nationwide.

History of Lithuanian Independence Day

On February 16, 1918, the Lithuanian National Council, composed of leaders with diverse political views, announced the restoration of the Independent Democratic Republic of Lithuania. This independence was not entirely new, as the state had existed for centuries between 1251–1795. Situated along the Baltic Sea, the country had a population of about 4 million, with Vilnius as its capital. In the 14th and 16th centuries, Lithuanian nobles joined with Polish counterparts, forming an empire stretching through Belarus, Ukraine, and to the Black Sea. However, pressure from Prussia, Russian, and Austrian expansion in the 18th century led to decline and the eventual loss of authority. By 1795, Lithuania was absorbed into Russia. Recognition from western powers followed between 1918 and 1922, and the Constituent Assembly in April 1920 established the constitution in August. The new nation, however, faced threats from Germany and the Soviet Union. On June 15, 1940, the Soviets occupied Lithuania, incorporating it into the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics on August 3, 1940. After Nazi occupation from 1941–44, Soviet control continued until the breakup of 1991. On September 6, 1991, full independence returned, and the constitution was approved in October 1992, marking a moment celebrated today with every festive counter and countdown to the anniversary.

Capital of Lithuanian

Vilnius, pronounced VIL-nee-əs, is the capital and largest city in Lithuania, also the most populous in the Baltic states. By January 2025, its population reached 607,667, while the urban area totaled 747,864. Known for the architecture of its Old Town, Vilnius was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994. The city’s Vilnian Baroque style stands out as the largest north of the Alps. Historically, during the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth, its diversity earned it the nickname “Jerusalem of the North,” even admired by Napoleon in 1812. Before World War II and the Holocaust, it was a major Jewish cultural center. Today, its demographics include many Poles due to historical repatriations. Vilnius earned the title of European Capital of Culture in 2009 alongside Linz in Austria, ranked in fDi’s Global Cities of the Future, and became a global fintech hub. Hosting events like the 2023 NATO Summit, it was also named European Green Capital in 2025. Every year, locals and visitors use the festive counter and countdown tools to track national celebrations, ensuring each festive moment in Vilnius is cherished.