The Greatness of the Past and National Unity Honored Through Events in Šiauliai

On July 6, 2025, the Sun City solemnly marked the Statehood Day (Coronation of King Mindaugas of Lithuania) and National Anthem Day. On Sunday, the city invited residents and guests to join in meaningful unity – to take part in the flag-raising ceremony, concerts, excursions, educational activities, and international festival events. The historic day was crowned with the nationwide singing of the National Anthem, as Šiauliai joined Lithuanians around the world in a collective celebration of national identity.
Organized by Šiauliai City Municipality. Produced by Šiauliai Cultural Center.

As is tradition, the Statehood Day celebration in Šiauliai began with Holy Mass at the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul. Immediately afterward, in Resurrection Square, the event host welcomed the gathered audience, reminding them of King Mindaugas’ historical role and the significance of July 6. This was followed by the ceremonial raising of the Lithuanian national flag and the festive concert “Our Lithuania.” This year, the honor of raising the tricolor was given to Jonas Nekrašas – Honorary Citizen of Šiauliai, lawyer, cultural historian, ethnographer, and photographer.

As Loreta Sungailienė, together with the Šiauliai Wind Orchestra (artistic director and conductor Sigitas Vaičiulionis, conductor Gytis Brūzga), performed the National Anthem, the Lithuanian flag proudly flew in the square.

After the ceremony, the festive mood continued with the concert “Our Lithuania.” Performers included ensembles and artists not only from Šiauliai but also from other Lithuanian cities: Loreta Sungailienė, Damilė Bagdonavičienė, the Marijampolė Cultural Center’s ritual singing ensemble Dijūta (led by A. Jusaitytė), the Anykščiai Cultural Center’s dance ensemble Gojus (led by J. Uselienė), and the Šiauliai Cultural Center’s Laiptų Galerija folklore ensemble Salduvė (led by D. Daknys). National motifs and authentic creativity encouraged the audience to reflect on cultural roots and nurture national identity.

Throughout the evening, the people of Šiauliai and visitors were invited to celebrate Lithuania by participating in various educational activities and attending international festival events and concerts. In Rėkyva, the event cycle “Lithuanian Identity and Resilience. Queen Morta: A Historical Portrait or a Forgotten Symbol of Identity?” was held, featuring creative and educational workshops titled “Queen Morta’s Crown.” The festive day culminated in the musical evening “The Heart of the Nation – in Songs” featuring performer Jurga Andriulienė.

At 9:00 PM, Šiauliai invited everyone to join the nationwide singing of the National Anthem – a beautiful tradition during which residents and visitors raise their voices in unison with Lithuanians around the world, celebrating national unity and love for their homeland. In this solemn moment, people gathered in Resurrection Square, the Chaim Frenkel Villa Park, and the Laiptų Galerija at Šiauliai Cultural Center, where one of the most important symbols of the Lithuanian nation – the National Anthem – echoed with pride.

For more information, please contact Jūratė Kašinskienė, Cultural Events Organizer, Events Management Department, Šiauliai Cultural Center. Phone: +370 655 25 521, Email: jurate.kasinskiene@siauliukc.lt.

Liubov Yarmoshenko's photo