In 2003, the traditions and symbolism of the song celebrations of the Baltic States (Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania) were attributed the status of masterpiece to be inscribed on the UNESCO Non-material Heritage List.
At the end of the 18th century, the Baltic States suffered similar historic developments and they were all annexed by the Russian Empire and therefore already in the 19th century the ethnic culture and folk songs in particular became a significant expression of the national identity that encouraged the ideas of breaking away from Russia and creating independent states. The process of the restitution of the independence of the Baltic States in 1990 is often called a “singing revolution”.
The tradition of song celebrations came to the Baltic States from the Western Europe via Scandinavia. Firstly it came to Estonia and Latvia, and then to Lithuania. The song celebrations found a highly acceptable medium in those countries, as the folk song and other folk culture traditions were actively fostered. The traditions and the national self-awareness of people helped this unique valuable cultural phenomenon that has no equal in the world to become rooted in the Baltic States.
Lithuanians gathered in the first national Day of Songs in 1924. In the interwar period, the national Song Celebrations were held every second year, while the festivals in the regions and settlements were organised every year. As soon as the repertoire of a song festival is approved, the preparations in the regions start, i.e. the local song festivals are held. Only the best folk groups are invited to the Song Festival in the capital.
The modern Song Celebrations consist of three parts: the Day of Dance, the Afternoon of ethnographic and folk music groups, and the Day of Songs, which is the most spectacular of all. The Song Celebrations are held every four years and occasionally they are contemporized with some events of national importance. The festivals embrace more than 30,000 performers, including over 400 choirs. The last, the sixteenth Song Festival was held in 2003; the sixth Schoolchildren Song Festival was held in 2005.
After Lithuania regained independence, the geography of the Festival expanded: Lithuanians from 10 to 15 countries come and take part at the Song Celebration. Therefore the festival was renamed to the World Lithuanian Song Celebration.
For this year Lithuanian Dance and Song Celebration programme search here.
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