Baltic Way Day in Šiauliai – Symbols of Unity, Music and Freedom

On 23 August 2026, Šiauliai commemorated one of the most important dates in the history of freedom of Lithuania and all the Baltic States – Baltic Way Day. The series of events “The Path of Freedom”, held across various locations in Šiauliai, brought together historical memory, music, art and a sense of community. From a ceremonial procession with the flags of the Baltic States to a concert programme and artistic initiatives, the day’s events served as a reminder of the power of people coming together and of freedom, whose value remains meaningful across generations.
Hosted by Šiauliai City Municipality. Organised by the Šiauliai Cultural Centre.

The commemoration of Baltic Way Day in Šiauliai began with Holy Mass at the Cathedral of St Peter and St Paul. Afterwards, residents and visitors of Šiauliai, carrying the flags of the Baltic States, took part in a ceremonial procession from the Cathedral to the Sundial Square. The joint procession became a symbolic sign of unity, recalling the human chain that connected Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia 37 years ago.

At the Sundial Square, the audience was welcomed by the concert programme “Songs That Were Never Written Down”. Performer Raminta Naujanytė-Bjelle and the Lithuanian Symphonic Wind Orchestra, led by Artistic Director Prof. Dr Antanas Kučinskas, took to the stage. The concert was conducted by Maestro Karolis Variakojis. On this day, music became a meaningful part of shared memory, bringing different generations together and once again highlighting the importance of freedom, unity and togetherness.

The commemoration of Baltic Way Day will continue in the evening. An exhibition of works created during the international sculptors’ creative workshop “Baltic Nights” will open in the historic Bugailiškiai apple orchard at the Šiauliai Cultural Centre Gallery “Laiptai”. The event was complemented by a concert of original music by Antanas Jasenko, while the historic orchard became a space where sculpture, music and local memory came together.

However, the series of events “The Path of Freedom” does not end with this commemoration. The themes of freedom, historical memory and civic awareness will continue through initiatives taking place across Šiauliai, inviting people not only to remember, but also to consider the meaning of freedom from today’s perspective.

Until 13 September, the artistic initiative “Avenue of Thoughts on Freedom” will be on display in Kaštonų Avenue. This contemporary public installation will invite visitors to look at freedom through the eyes of the younger generation. Short thoughts, graphic elements and interactive solutions will encourage people to stop, listen and reflect on what it means to be free today – and, at the same time, to take a selfie. Until 30 August, the literary exhibition “Freedom Joined by Hands” will also be on display at the Children’s Literature Department of the Šiauliai City Municipality Public Library.

The full programme of events is available on the websites of Šiauliai City Municipality and the Šiauliai Cultural Centre.

For further information, please contact Audronė Jaškinienė, Event Organiser at the Event Organisation Department of the Šiauliai Cultural Centre, tel. +370 678 46 145, email audrone.jaskiniene@siauliukc.lt.

Photo by Rolandas Parafinavičius

More photos can be found on the Šiauliai Cultural Centre Facebook page.