Lithuanian holidays - Day of Restoration of Independence of Lithuania

One of the most important public holidays in Lithuania is the day of restoration of its independence - March 11 In 1990, the Supreme Council adopted the corresponding act, which was called “On the restoration of the State of Lithuania” Before this, the Lithuanian Perestroika Movement “Sąjūdis” was established, which took place on June 3, 1988 The goal of the movement was to mobilize support for democratic changes and the independence of Lithuania At the end of February 1990, the first democratic elections to the Supreme Council of the Lithuanian SSR were held and, as a result, Sąjūdis candidates received an overwhelming number of votes - 107 out of a possible 133 The Act “On the Restoration of the State of Lithuania”, which was adopted on March 11, the Act of the Lithuanian Council on Independence, which was adopted on February 16, 1918, as well as the resolution of the Constituent Seimas of May 15, 1920 on the restoration of the democratic State of Lithuania have always had legal force and it is they constitute the constitutional basis of the State of Lithuania According to the act, Lithuania was declared an independent state and “the constitution of no other state is in force on its territory” Iceland was the first to recognize the independence of Lithuania, this happened on February 11, 1991, and on July 29, the independence of Lithuania was recognized by Russia, on September 2 by the USA, and on September 6 by the USSR Before the global crisis began in 2008-2009, the Lithuanian economy did not stand still, but developed rapidly Economic growth rates were compared with those of some Western countries In 2009, Vilnius was named the European Capital of Culture, and Lithuania itself celebrated the millennium of its name On March 11, the country hosts a number of events dedicated to the Day of Restoration of Independence Usually this is the laying of flowers on Independence Square in Vilnius, at the “Message” monument, as well as a ceremonial raising of flags and a procession with a large flag of Lithuania Entertainment events take place in parks and squares The memorial is holding open hours On Gediminas Square in Vilnius, instead of the usual order of colors, the lights are in the colors of the Lithuanian flag - yellow-green-red Towards the evening there are concerts and festive events dedicated to this solemn event Representatives of the authorities and the public congratulate residents on the holiday