Baltic Unity day

Baltic Unity Day is a testament to the close kinship and strong ties between Latvians and Lithuanians, referring to a medieval historical event – the Battle of Saule on September 22, 1236. In that battle, the combined forces of the Semigallians and Semigallians defeated the knights of the Order of the Sword Brothers in a fierce battle, influencing the course of the subsequent Crusades.

This year marks the 25th anniversary since Baltic Unity Day was included in the official calendars of both countries as a day of remembrance. The official Baltic Unity Day event, organized by the parliaments of both countries in cooperation with local governments, takes place annually in Lithuania or Latvia. This year, the celebration will take place on September 20 in Jaunjelgava, Aizkraukle County. Last year, we took over the baton from Pakruojis in Lithuania, and we will ceremoniously hand over the right to host the event in 2026 to the Lithuanian city of Akmene.

Representatives of the parliaments of both countries, ministers of culture and local government leaders will participate in the festival.

The morning of the festival will begin at 10:00 a.m. with an ecumenical prayer for the Baltic peoples and a concert of spiritual music at the Roman Catholic Church in Jaunjelgava. Bishop Einārs Alpe of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Latvia will also participate in the prayer.

The celebrations will continue in the Old Town Square. At 12:00, the Baltic Unity Fire will be lit at the opening ceremony, and representatives of the parliaments of both countries and the leaders of the Aizkraukle and Akmene municipalities will address the audience. There will be a festive concert featuring the Latvian and Lithuanian diplomatic choir, the Vilnius Academy of Arts choir, all the choirs of the Aizkraukle region, folklore groups and dance groups from Aizkraukle and Jēkabpils districts in Latvia, and Vilnius, Biržai, and Akmene in Lithuania. Composer Valdis Zilveris will participate in the choir program. At the end of the concert, around 3:00 p.m., the band Karikste will play Latvian dances.

After the concert, at around 3:30 p.m., we will be able to watch demonstrations of ancient combat techniques, and at 4:00 p.m., the folk rock group Laimas muzykanti will perform.

Throughout the day, visitors will be able to watch Latvian blacksmiths at work, as well as demonstrations and master classes on other ancient crafts of both nations, ride horses, shoot bows and arrows, shop, and taste Latvian dishes at the crafts market. Visitors will be able to visit Pēteris Graudulis' craftsman's farmstead and view the exhibition "Ancient Baltic Jewelry on the Banks of the Daugava" from the Aizkraukle History and Art Museum collection at the Tourist Information Center.

Baltic Unity Day has become a popular tradition that brings together traditional culture bearers and politicians from both countries to affirm the unity of the two nations, as there are only two peoples in the world who speak Baltic languages. May this celebration of unity in Jaunjelgava serve as a testament to the uniqueness and vitality of Latvia and Lithuania.

Craftspeople and home producers are invited to apply for the market and craft demonstrations by September 10 by calling T:27366222.