Day of Restoration of the State of Lithuania
On February 16, Lithuania marks the restoration of its state in 1918. The date recalls the Act of Independence and the declaration of a democratic state with Vilnius as its capital.[1][2]
A public holiday fixed on February 16
Lithuania’s Labour Code lists February 16 as the Day of Restoration of the State of Lithuania. It says that work normally stops on public holidays. Work may take place with an employee’s consent, except where working time is recorded cumulatively or a collective agreement provides for it.[1]
February 16 is the holiday date named in the Code.[1]
The 1918 act and the idea of restored statehood
The holiday looks back to the First World War period, when Lithuania was under German occupation. A Vilnius Conference in 1917 set the goal of an independent Lithuanian state, and the Council of Lithuania was tasked with pursuing it.[2]
On February 16, 1918, the Council signed the Act of Independence. It proclaimed the restoration of an independent state based on democratic principles, with Vilnius as its capital, and said a democratically elected Constituent Assembly would determine the state’s foundations and relations with other countries.[2] The act therefore marked a claim to renewed statehood, rather than the establishment of every later institution at once.[2]
Ceremonies, flags and public events
The national flag is raised on February 16 under Lithuania’s flag rules. The Seimas explains that the yellow, green and red tricolour was recognized as Lithuania’s state flag in 1988 and restored as the Republic’s state flag.[3]
Official commemorations have included ceremonies honoring the 1918 signatories, a flag-raising in Vilnius, events at the Vytautas the Great War Museum in Kaunas, and a concert at the Lithuanian National Philharmonic.[4] One published program also included a gathering at the memorial to the 1949 declaration of Lithuania’s partisan movement in Minaičiai, linking the date with another episode in the country’s history.[4] Programs vary, so these examples describe documented events rather than a guaranteed annual schedule.[4]
What to expect when planning
Because the Labour Code says work normally stops on public holidays, check opening hours with government offices and banks before you go.[1]
If you plan to visit a museum, use a service or travel by bus or train, check the relevant organization’s holiday hours and timetable before setting out. Official commemorations can take place in several cities, including Vilnius and Kaunas, while some programs include events elsewhere in the country.[4]
Frequently asked questions
When is the Day of Restoration of the State of Lithuania?
It is observed every year on February 16, the date named in Lithuania’s Labour Code.[1]
Is it a day off work?
The Labour Code says work normally stops on public holidays. It allows work with employee consent, with exceptions for cumulative working-time accounting and cases set by collective agreement.[1]
Are shops, banks and public transport open?
Opening hours vary by business and transport operator, so check directly with them for the holiday schedule.[1]
What public events take place?
Published official programs have included signatory tributes, flag-raising ceremonies, commemorations and concerts. The program changes, so check local announcements for events on the day.[4]
Sources and references
Sources used for Day of Restoration of the State of Lithuania in Lithuania:
- XII-2603 Law on Approval, Entry into Force and Implementation of the Labor Code of the Republic of Lithuania- International Labour Organization, NATLEX
- 16 February – Day of Restoration of Lithuania’s Independence- Parliament of the Republic of Lithuania (Seimas)
- The Lithuanian State flag- Parliament of the Republic of Lithuania (Seimas)
- 2025 metų Lietuvos valstybės atkūrimo dienos minėjimo renginių programa- Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Lithuania