Šiauliai Invites You to Celebrate Lithuania’s Birthday

On February 16, 2026, Šiauliai will commemorate one of the most important dates in Lithuanian history – Lithuanian State Restoration Day. On this festive day, the City of the Sun will host meaningful events that embody the idea of freedom and invite residents and guests to unite in community spirit, historical memory, and cultural dialogue. On February 16, people will be welcome at Holy Mass, the official commemoration ceremony at Resurrection Square, festive concerts, and other cultural programs that will create a vibrant and meaningful celebration of Lithuania’s birthday throughout the city.
The organizer of the jubilee year is the Šiauliai City Municipality, and the event organizer is the Šiauliai Cultural Center. All events are free of charge.

February 16, 1918 became a cornerstone of Lithuania’s history – the day when courage, unity, and faith in the future laid the foundation of the state. With the Act of Independence, a modern and democratic Lithuania was restored. Today, freedom is understood not only as a historical fact, but also as a daily responsibility. This day is significant for the entire country, including Šiauliai, a city that nurtures civic awareness, culture, and a living historical memory.

The day will begin at Resurrection Square, where attention will also be given to civic preparedness. From 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., a practical information event dedicated to preparing for potential emergency situations will take place. Residents will be introduced to the contents of an emergency “go-bag” and receive useful guidance on how to act and prepare in advance for various emergencies. This civic initiative is organized by the Civil Protection Division of the Šiauliai Fire and Rescue Board, reminding citizens that freedom and security begin with knowledge and responsibility.

At 11:00 a.m., Holy Mass will be celebrated at Šiaulių Šv. apaštalų Petro ir Pauliaus katedra, inviting reflection on the country’s journey, the cost of freedom, and its meaning today. At 12:00 p.m., the official commemoration ceremony will take place at Resurrection Square. The program includes the Lithuanian State Flag raising ceremony and the theatrical musical performance “The Signatories and the Foundations of Values,” highlighting not only historical facts but also the values upon which the Lithuanian state was built.

This year, the tricolor will be raised by two distinguished figures: pharmacist and Honorary Citizen of the City Almyra Girdenienė, and Lieutenant Colonel Lina Jieznienė, Commander of the 6th Unit of the Resurrection District of the National Defence Volunteer Forces. The event will feature the Šiauliai Wind Orchestra (Artistic Director and Conductor S. Vaičiulionis, Conductor G. Brūzga), performers Živilė Gedvilaitė-Sitnikienė and Gintautas Gascevičius, and actors Tomas Montvila, Aidas Matutis, Remigijus Pelenis, and Dalius Jančiauskas.

“February 16 is not only a history lesson, but also a living invitation for each of us to safeguard, nurture, and pass on the values of freedom to future generations. By celebrating this day in Šiauliai, we want to remind everyone that the state begins with the individual – with personal choices, responsibility, and love for one’s country,” says Daina Kinčinaitienė, Head of the Culture Department of the Šiauliai City Municipality Administration.

At 1:30 p.m., the celebration will continue at Šiaulių kultūros centro galerija „Laiptai“ with the concert “Journey with Lithuania’s Freedom.” The musical program will combine classical and folk music, revealing the theme of freedom through different eras and musical forms. Admission is by free invitation.

At 2:00 p.m., a commemorative event will take place at Šiaulių „Aušros“ muziejus Venclauskiai House-Museum, offering deeper insight into traditions of civic resistance and statehood. The program includes a lecture by historian Dr. Mindaugas Nefas, “The Riflemen’s Idea and Its Implementation in Lithuania,” as well as the symbolic transfer of the flag of the 6th Riflemen’s Unit of General Povilas Plechavičius to the museum, emphasizing the continuity of historical memory.

At 3:00 p.m., audiences are invited to the Great Concert Hall of the Šiauliai Cultural Center for the concert “Colors of the Homeland,” where folk dance will reveal the beauty and vitality of national identity. Admission is by free invitation.

The festive program will conclude at 4:30 p.m. with the concert “Our Home” at Koncertų salė „Saulė“. Vocal, choral, and instrumental music will reflect Lithuania as a shared home encompassing history, present, and hope for the future.

From 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., a literary-artistic initiative “Routes of Independence” will take place on city bus routes 12 and 21. Passengers will hear Lithuanian poetry read by actors of the State Šiauliai Drama Theatre, turning an ordinary journey into a meaningful cultural experience.

Residents and guests will also be able to celebrate through excursions, lectures, and free visits to branches of the Šiauliai “Aušros” Museum and exhibitions at the Šiauliai Art Gallery.

The full event program is available on the Šiauliai City Municipality website (www.siauliai.lt) and the Šiauliai Cultural Center website (www.siauliukc.lt).

Photos by D. Ančerevičius, E. Aleksandravičienė, J. Zablockienė, L. Yarmoshenko, and R. Parafinavičius.

For more information, please contact Asta Vaitkienė, Head of the Events Organization Department of the Šiauliai Cultural Center, mobile +370 671 42 901, e-mail asta.vaitkiene@siauliukc.lt.