In Rėkyva – A Lively Look into the Roots of Lithuanian Identity

On July 6, 2025, the Statehood Day (Coronation of King Mindaugas of Lithuania) and National Anthem Day, a series of events titled “Lithuanian Identity and Resilience. Queen Morta: A Historical Portrait or a Forgotten Symbol of Identity?” was launched at the Rėkyva Cultural House. On this festive day, residents were invited to participate in creative-educational workshops and a musical evening, and next weekend, the community can look forward to engaging discussions and a concert.
Organized by Šiauliai Cultural Center. Funded by the Ministry of Culture.

On Sunday, the Rėkyva Cultural House hosted creative-educational workshops for the whole family titled “Queen Morta’s Crown.” Children and adults, guided by educators, created symbolic crowns, interpreting the image of the first and only Queen of Lithuania in their own unique ways. The workshops became not only a fun artistic activity but also a living lesson in historical memory, encouraging reflection on the nation’s origins, identity, and values.

The festive evening continued with the musical meeting “The Heart of the Nation – in Songs,” featuring performer Jurga Andriulienė. This program invited participants to remember how deeply the national spirit lives in music. The calm and cozy concert atmosphere brought the Rėkyva community together for a shared experience – an evening where emotions, historical memory, and national pride intertwined into one rhythm. The event was crowned with the nationwide singing of the National Anthem, when Rėkyva joined all of Lithuania in song.

The event series will continue at the Rėkyva Cultural House on July 12, with a fascinating and engaging discussion “Lithuanian Identity and Resilience. Queen Morta: A Historical Portrait or a Forgotten Symbol of Identity?” at 2:30 PM. The discussion will feature public figure, extreme travel enthusiast, and volunteer soldier Aurimas Mockus, who will speak about inner resilience, linking the past with the present. Renowned actor Giedrius Savickas will also share his thoughts on the role of history in shaping our identity.

The evening will conclude with an emotional musical concert at 6:00 PM, featuring performer Dainotas Varnas, who will take the audience on a journey through Lithuanian lyrics and modern emotions.

For more information, please contact Viktorija Mališauskaitė, Head of the Rėkyva Branch, Šiauliai Cultural Center.
Phone: +370 632 59 279, Email: viktorija.malisauskaite@siauliukc.lt

Photo by Rolandas Parafinavičius