Lithuania is the only nation in the world to sing the National Anthem every 6th of July. This year, on July 6, the Statehood Day of Lithuania, the National Anthem will be sung for the 14th time. Wherever they live, Lithuanians all over the world celebrate the Statehood Day, come together and sing the Lithuanian National Anthem. Singing the National Anthem together has become the main way of celebrating the Statehood Day.
The Statehood Day is celebrated on July 6 – the day of coronation of Mindaugas, the first King of Lithuania. He is known as the leader who united the ancient tribes living in the Lithuanian territory and established the Lithuanian State. With the rise of the anthem-singing tradition, this day is also commemorated as the Day of the National Anthem.
’In Solidarity we are strong!’ – this is the message that will travel the world this year, showing that Lithuanians are strong and resilient and know how to stand together to defend freedom, culture, and traditions.
This year, the main event will take place in Alytus, the Lithuanian Capital of Culture 2022
Singing, as an expression of unity, has strong historical roots in Lithuania and is an important part of its cultural tradition. At the end of the 20th century, it culminated with the so-called ‘Singing Revolution’ – a massive peaceful movement of resistance to the Soviet regime that resulted in the restoration of the Lithuanian independence in 1990. Over time the tradition that celebrated resilience grew to symbolize the spirit of collaboration and togetherness.
The singing of the national anthem on July 6 was initiated in 2009. That year, yacht Ambersail was sailing around the world and the sailors invited Lithuanians all over the globe to celebrate the Statehood Day together.
