Public holiday in Lithuania
Restoration of Independence Day in Lithuania
Wednesday, March 11, 2026
Nationwide public holiday
Restoration of Independence Day marks Lithuania’s 1990 declaration restoring state independence after decades of Soviet rule. It is a nationwide public holiday and one of the country’s key civic commemorations.
About Restoration of Independence Day in Lithuania
In Lithuania, Restoration of Independence Day commemorates the moment when the Supreme Council restored the country’s independence and ended the Soviet-era annexation on paper. The day is observed nationwide and is closely associated with national identity, state continuity and the democratic transition that followed in the early 1990s. It is distinct from Lithuania’s other independence-related holiday on 16 February, which marks the original 1918 act of independence. This March holiday focuses on the restoration of the state rather than its first declaration.
History
On 11 March 1990, the Supreme Council of the Republic of Lithuania adopted the Act of the Re-Establishment of the State of Lithuania. It was the first Soviet republic to declare the restoration of independence. The date became a national public holiday in independent Lithuania and is now used to mark the 1990 break with Soviet authority.
Traditions
The day is commonly marked with state symbolism, especially the display of the Lithuanian tricolour. Public ceremonies and civic events often emphasize the national flag, the anthem and speeches connected with independence and statehood.
How Restoration of Independence Day is celebrated in Lithuania
Official events are held in Vilnius and other cities, with ceremonies, concerts and gatherings linked to the anniversary. Many people use the day to attend commemorations, follow public events or spend time with family while the holiday is observed nationwide.
Interesting facts
Lithuania has two separate national holidays connected with independence: 16 February for the 1918 declaration and 11 March for the 1990 restoration. The 1990 act is widely regarded as a landmark in the collapse of Soviet control in the Baltic region.
Dates in published calendars
| Year | Holiday date | Observed date | Scope |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 11 Mar 2026 | — | Nationwide |
Import sources
- Generic ICS feed
An import is not an independent verification.