On February 16, Šiauliai celebrated freedom, unity, and living historical memory

On February 16, 2026, Šiauliai commemorated one of the most important dates in Lithuania’s history – the Day of the Restoration of the State of Lithuania. In the City of the Sun, the festive day was filled with meaningful meetings, music, history, and civic initiatives that invited people to unite in fellowship and once again reflect on the price of freedom and its importance today. From the sacred solemnity in the cathedral to the ceremonial commemoration at Resurrection Square and concerts in the city’s cultural spaces – February 16 in Šiauliai became a living embodiment of the celebration of the state’s birthday.

Organizer – Šiauliai City Municipality,
Event organizer – Šiauliai Cultural Center.

The festive day began at 11 a.m. with Holy Mass celebrated at the Cathedral of St. Apostles Peter and Paul, where the people of Šiauliai and the city’s guests gathered in prayer for Lithuania, reflecting on the state’s path and its future. Afterwards, the commemoration moved to Resurrection Square, where at 12 p.m. the ceremonial raising of the Lithuanian state flag and the theatrical musical program “The Signatories and the Foundations of Values” took place.

As the National Anthem of Lithuania was performed, the Tricolor this year was raised by two distinguished personalities – pharmacist and Honorary Citizen of the City of Šiauliai Almyra Girdenienė, and Commander of the 6th Unit of the Resurrection District of the National Defence Volunteer Forces, Lieutenant Colonel Lina Jieznienė. Their participation in the ceremony became a symbolic meeting of experience and present-day responsibility – respect for the city, the state, and its defenders.

“My wish is this – remember it and pass it on to everyone you meet today and on other days: peaceful skies, health, and third – we need children. Happy February 16,” congratulated Šiauliai City Mayor Artūras Visockas on the occasion, adding that since the interwar period Šiauliai has been the second most important city in Lithuania, built and sustained by genuine, sincere people.

The festive atmosphere was created by the Šiauliai Wind Orchestra (artistic director and conductor S. Vaičiulionis, conductor G. Brūzga), performers Živilė Gedvilaitė-Sitnikienė, Gintautas Gascevičius, actors Tomas Montvila, Aidas Matutis, Remigijus Pelenis, Dalius Jančiauskas. In the theatrical musical program “The Signatories and the Foundations of Values,” music and theatrical elements merged into a sensitive narrative about the values on which the Lithuanian state was restored more than a century ago.

The organizers thank the interpreters of the Šiauliai Territorial Division of Lithuanian Sign Language Interpretation for providing everyone with the opportunity to enjoy the commemoration.

The Day of the Restoration of the State of Lithuania in the City of the Sun was also accompanied by other cultural events – excursions, lectures, and free admission to the exhibitions of the branches of the Šiauliai “Aušra” Museum and the Šiauliai Art Gallery. February 16 in Šiauliai once again reminded us that the strength of the state lies in the unity of its people, living memory, and everyday choices to protect and nurture freedom. The full program of events can be found on the websites of Šiauliai City Municipality (www.siauliai.lt) and the Šiauliai Cultural Center (www.siauliukc.lt).

Information provided by Asta Vaitkienė, Head of the Event Organization Department of the Šiauliai Cultural Center, mob. +370 671 42 901, e-mail asta.vaitkiene@siauliukc.lt.

Photo by Rolandas Parafinavičius.

More photos can be found on the Šiauliai Cultural Center Facebook account: