Prague celebrates the Day of Restoration of Lithuania’s Independence
Feb. 11., Embassy of Lithuania in the Czech Republic together with the Lithuanian Saturday language school “Debesynas” organized a colorful and extraordinary event marking the Day of Restoration of Lithuania’s Independence. The celebration, taking place in the building where Jonas Basanavičius, the instigator of the Lithuanian restoration movement, lived through 1883-84, took those attending to the beginning of the 20th century. Dressed in the outfits of the period, the staff of the embassy and teachers from “Debesynas” school were encouraging the community and the locals from Prague to participate in a century old photo session and try a number of Lithuanian delicatessens.
Ambassador Edvilas Raudonikis was there to address the crowded event and present the history of the restoration of the Lithuanian state. The children could try an interactive game teaching them about the symbols of the Lithuanian national independence movement and the interwar period, and watch a short film about the country’s history. Later, those attending joined in song for the national anthem and drew a celebratory wish to Lithuania in a myriorama moving picture.
Each year an increasing amount of the local Czech community is joining the celebration at the café located in the building where Jonas Basanavičius lived. This year the Prague 2 municipality participated as well; the event was publicized in the local newspaper, and attended by the Head of the Prague 2 municipality, Michaela Mazancová. Amongst others attending were diplomats and journalists.
