As the 35th anniversary of the Baltic Way approaches—a momentous event on August 23, 1989, when the three Baltic States joined hands to form a 650 km long human chain—the ensemble Lietuva has presented a special symbol to five Lithuanian cities: 650 KM of FREEDOM. This symbol, now realized in both digital and physical forms, is proudly displayed in public spaces within the municipalities that were part of the historic Baltic Way route: Vilnius, Širvintos, Ukmergė, Panevėžys, and Pasvalys.
These commemorative symbols not only honor the anniversary of the Baltic Way but also encourage a renewed sense of unity through our shared history, much like the living chain of people who came together 35 years ago. The campaign will culminate in a grand concert, 650 KM of FREEDOM, scheduled for August 23 in Cathedral Square, Vilnius. This event will feature a diverse ensemble of 200 performers from Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia.
“We have created a new symbol for the Baltic Way, embedding it with profound meaning. The 650 KM of FREEDOM symbol, adapted into English, Estonian, and Latvian, is being used extensively throughout our digital campaign commemorating the 35th anniversary of the Baltic Way. By giving it a physical form, we are drawing even more attention to the upcoming commemoration. This initiative reminds us of the importance of unity and the power of our shared history, which continues to inspire and instill pride in all of us,” shared Edita Klaunauskaitė, Director of the Lietuva Ensemble.
The five cities that received these symbols were chosen because they lie along the historic route of the Baltic Way. The municipalities eagerly joined the campaign, contributing to the commemoration of these 650 kilometers of freedom—the length of the human chain that was immortalized in history. What does freedom mean to us today? The Baltic Way represents a path of freedom and creativity. The concert 650 KM of FREEDOM serves as a symbolic reference to the journey we have travelled and continue to forge, standing in solidarity with all who fight for their freedom.
The mobile symbols have already been installed in prominent locations within the municipalities and will also be placed at the Lithuanian-Latvian border on August 23, where the Presidents of Lithuania and Latvia will meet for the historic commemoration.
On August 23, a special concert will take place in Cathedral Square, Vilnius, featuring music from the Baltic countries. The concert program will be performed by the Lietuva Choir and Orchestra, the Lithuanian National Symphony Orchestra, the electronic music group Happyendless, the chamber choir Aidija, the state choir Latvija, the Latvian folk-pop group Tautumeitas, Estonian performer Maarja Nuut, and others. The concert will be conducted by renowned conductors Erki Pehk (Estonia), Martinš Ozolinš (Latvia), and Modestas Pitrėnas, the music director of the concert and the artistic director and chief conductor of the Lithuanian National Symphony Orchestra.
