Restoration of the State Day 2019 Public and national holidays in Lithuania National Holiday in Lithuania

When is Restoration of the State Day?

How long until Restoration of the State Day?
This holiday next takes place in 11 Days.
Dates of Restoration of the State Day
Year	Weekday	Date
2020	Sunday	February 16th
2019	Saturday	February 16th
2018	Friday	February 16th
2017	Thursday	February 16th
2016	Tuesday	February 16th
Duration
1 Day
Local Name
Lietuvos valstybės atkūrimo diena
Summary
The Act of Independence of Lithuania was signed by the Council of Lithuania on 16 February 1918, proclaiming the restoration of an independent State of Lithuania

Always celebrated on 16 February, this holiday marks the act of independence from Germany in 1918. This holiday is Lithuania's National Day.

Under King Mindaugas, Lithuania emerged as a state in the 13th century and by the 18th century Lithuania had become part of the Russian Empire. During the first world war, the country was occupied by German troops as they advanced towards Russia.

Following the Russian revolution in 1917, Germany encouraged Lithuanians to determine their future, in the hope they would prefer a union with Germany rather than Russia. Germany supported the establishment of a Council of Lithuania who would decide on Lithuania's future.

Against the wishes of Germany, the Council of Lithuania decided not to align their nation with either Germany or Russia and instead signed the Act of Independence of Lithuania on 16 February 1918. The act proclaimed the restoration of an independent and democratic State of Lithuania, with Vilnius as its capital.

Not surprisingly the publication of the Act was prohibited by the German authorities. It was only when Germany was defeated in November 1918, that the first Cabinet of Lithuania was formed and the council gained control of Lithuania.