Operetta at Kaunas Castle. Photo courtesy of Kaunas City Municipality.
On July 6, Lithuania marks Statehood Day, commemorating the coronation of King Mindaugas in 1253. In Kaunas, the occasion will be observed with concerts, ceremonies, free museum entry, and complimentary public transport. The full programme is provided below.
July 5
20:00
Kaunas Castle (Pilies g. 17)
The festival Operetta at Kaunas Castle (Operetė Kauno pilyje) presents Johann Strauss’s ballet Cinderella: A Different Story (Kita Pelenės istorija), performed by the Kaunas State Musical Theatre’s ballet and orchestra.
July 6
12:00
Vytautas the Great War Museum Garden (K. Donelaičio g. 64)
Official flag-raising ceremony of the Order of the Cross of Vytis, followed by a carillon concert Song of the Crown – From the Heart of the Homeland (Karūnos giesmė – Tėvynės širdimi) performed by Roberta Daugėlaitė.
12:30
Vytautas the Great War Museum Garden (K. Donelaičio g. 64)
Concert of the historical memory project About Lithuania and For Lithuania (Apie Lietuvą ir Lietuvai), featuring the Kaunas Music Ensemble Ainiai, singer Neringa Nekrašiūtė, and actor Andrius Žiurauskas.
18:00
Kaunas Castle area (near the Freedom Warrior statue)
Arrival of the Respect the Weapon (Gerbk ginklą) motorcycle march, organised by the Vytautas the Great 2nd Riflemen Unit of the Lithuanian Riflemen’s Union, together with officers of the Public Security Service and police motorcyclists.
The event will also feature:
– Static displays of vehicles and equipment from the Riflemen’s Union, police and Public Security Service
– Meetings with officers and service members, presentations about their missions and public order work
– Stories from the three-day motorcycle journey across Lithuania and educational activities for the public
20:00
Amphitheatre next to Kaunas Castle (Pilies g. 17)
Operetta at Kaunas Castle concert: The Most Beloved Animated Film Melodies (Populiariausios garsiųjų animacinių kino filmų melodijos), featuring Lithuanian and international soloists.
21:00
Amphitheatre next to Kaunas Castle (Pilies g. 17)
Singing of the national anthem Tautiška giesmė, joining voices with Lithuanians around the world.
21:05
Amphitheatre next to Kaunas Castle (Pilies g. 17)
City of Kaunas awards ceremony. Mayor of Kaunas will present the Santaka Honor Insignia and other awards for outstanding contributions to the city and the Republic of Lithuania. The concert will continue immediately after the ceremony.
Free museum entry
On July 6, from 12:00 to 17:00, the following Kaunas City Museum branches are open free of charge:
– Kaunas Town Hall (Rotušės a. 15)
– M. and K. Petrauskai House (K. Petrausko g. 31)
– J. Gruodis House (Salako g. 18)
– Museum of Lithuanian Folk Instruments (L. Zamenhofo g. 12)
– Kaunas Castle (Pilies g. 17)
Vytautas the Great War Museum will also be open from 10:00 to 17:00.
Free public transport
On July 6, public transport and parking in Kaunas will be free of charge. Additional bus and trolleybus routes will operate from Kaunas Castle stops starting at 23:00.
