Day of Restoration of Independence in Lithuania
Lithuania observes the Day of Restoration of Independence every 11 March. It commemorates the 1990 act by which the country’s Supreme Council restored the exercise of Lithuania’s sovereign powers and declared the state independent again.[1][2]
A day rooted in Lithuania’s history
The holiday marks a restoration, rather than a new declaration with no historical precedent: the act said that Lithuania’s sovereign powers, abolished by foreign forces in 1940, were being re-established. The Seimas describes it as a crucial document after the Soviet occupation and annexation, and a turning point in Lithuania’s history.[1]
The declaration came after years of independence activity, including dissident work, underground publishing and demonstrations associated with the Sąjūdis reform movement. The Seimas also places the 1989 Baltic Way among the events expressing the public’s aspiration for an independent Lithuania.[1]
What happened on 11 March 1990
On 11 March 1990, the Supreme Council adopted the Act on the Re-establishment of the Independent State of Lithuania. The Seimas account records that the roll-call vote had 124 votes in favour and six abstentions; its chairman announced the result at 10:39 p.m. and declared Lithuania free at 10:44 p.m.[1]
The act asserted that Lithuania’s state sovereignty had not been extinguished and that the country was once again independent. The date therefore carries a specifically Lithuanian meaning: it commemorates the restoration of the modern state’s independence and the country’s determination to govern itself.[1]
How the anniversary is observed
Official commemorations can include ceremonies at the Seimas, floral tributes, flag-raising and public cultural events. A Ministry of Culture programme for the anniversary included a formal Seimas commemoration, a ceremony raising the flags of the three Baltic states in Vilnius, and a commemoration in Kaunas; the programme also listed events elsewhere in Lithuania.[3]
The programme offers examples of state and community observances, rather than a fixed annual schedule. Events and locations can vary, so visitors looking for a particular ceremony or concert should check announcements from the relevant municipality or institution.[3]
Public holiday and practical arrangements
The Labour Code names 11 March as the Day of Restoration of Lithuania’s Independence and says public holidays are normally days off. The State Labour Inspectorate explains that work on the holiday is generally possible only with an employee’s consent, subject to exceptions such as annualised working-time accounting or cases set out in a collective agreement.[2]
This means many ordinary workplaces and public-facing offices may keep holiday hours or close. Check opening hours and transport timetables with the specific service or venue before travelling; the available transport timetable and opening hours depend on the provider.[2]
Frequently asked questions
When is the Day of Restoration of Independence?
Is it a day off work in Lithuania?
Yes. The Labour Code lists 11 March as a public holiday and says holidays are normally days off. Some employees may work under the exceptions described by the State Labour Inspectorate.[2]
Are shops, banks and public transport open?
Opening hours and transport timetables can differ by business, venue and operator. Check the specific service before setting out.[2]
What public events take place?
Official programmes can include commemorations, flag-raising ceremonies and cultural events. The programme changes, so check current announcements from local authorities and event venues.[3]
Sources and references
Sources used for Day of Restoration of Independence of Lithuania in Lithuania:
- 11 March: Day of Restoration of Independence of Lithuania- Office of the Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania
- Artėja Kovo 11-oji: kaip dirbsime švenčių dieną?- State Labour Inspectorate under the Ministry of Social Security and Labour
- Kviečiame dalyvauti šventiniuose Kovo 11-osios minėjimo renginiuose- Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Lithuania