National Anthem Echoes Among Merkinė Hills on Statehood Day

On a Monday evening that felt more like early autumn than midsummer, a large crowd gathered at the confluence of the Nemunas, Merkys, and Stangė rivers, near the Merkinė hillfort. For the 18th time, participants, many from beyond the Dzūkija region, joined Lithuanians worldwide in singing the national anthem on Statehood Day.

The celebration of Mindaugas' Coronation Day at the Merkinė hillfort annually draws not only locals from the "city of sleeping kings" but also expatriates visiting family. Crowds of summer visitors and those seeking a special connection to Lithuania's royal past also arrive from nearby towns.

This year, some attendees were drawn to Druskininkai, which offered a celebration on the shores of Lake Druskonis with musical performances. Merkinė, however, presented its own program featuring local folk ensembles and singers. The event was organized by local cultural centers and the Merkinė community.

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It is a completely new holiday, which we are happily getting used to.

More important than the concerts or games was the moment the national anthem's words echoed between the hillfort and the riverbanks. Dressed in Lithuanian flags, people felt a captivating sense of unity and connection to their ancestors who lived and fought on these hills.

Two local residents, celebrating their name day, were honored with oak wreaths. One described the day as a "new holiday we are happily getting used to," while another called it a "day of unity," noting the relaxed, festive mood of summer celebrations that encourages people to gather outdoors and climb hillforts.

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For me, it is a day of unity. It differs from February 16th and March 11th in that it is summer, so people are more relaxed, cheerful, and want to celebrate outdoors, climb hillforts. That festive mood truly captivates and uplifts everyone.