The 35th Anniversary of the Baltic Way – A Symbol of Unity and Freedom

The Baltic Way’s campaign for peace and unity, which was held on 23 August 1989, is one of the most important events in the history of the Baltic states. This year marks the 35th anniversary of this historical event. "The Baltic Way is seen as the beginning and a symbol of the clear decision to seek Independence – it was brave in its scope and range, peaceful, expressing solidarity and attracting people with a smile on their faces and a song on their lips – all of this is the perfect description of our Singing Revolution," says Dr Marius Ėmužis, researcher at the Faculty of History of Vilnius University (VU).

The Baltic Way can be regarded as one of the most prominent peaceful demonstrations in world history when residents of three Baltic states – Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia – joined hands, forming a live chain, 650 kilometres in length, from Vilnius to Tallinn. This unique initiative was implemented to demonstrate to the world the disapproval of the Soviet occupation and to remind them of the Molotov–Ribbentrop Pact, which was signed between the Soviet Union and Nazi Germany in 1939, fatally dividing East Europe.

This demonstration played a major role in the Baltic states’ journey to independence, giving them the strength and determination to fight for their freedom. Soon after the Baltic Way, all three started to move towards the restoration of independence and, in 1991, became free and independent countries.

"Sometimes it may seem that the importance of the Baltic Way diminishes in the face of later events that took us to Independence – the election of 24 February 1990, the restoration of independence on 11 March 1990, or its defence in January 1991, or even the Sąjūdis Reform Movement of Lithuania in general. However, the Baltic Way is seen as the beginning and a symbol of a clear decision to seek Independence – it was brave in its scope and range, peaceful, expressing solidarity and attracting people with a smile on their faces and a song on their lips – all of this is the perfect description of our Singing Revolution," reiterates Researcher Dr M. Ėmužis from the Faculty of History of VU.

This Friday, a concert called "650 kilometrų laisvės" ("650 Kilometres of Freedom") dedicated to the 35th anniversary of the Baltic Way will be held in Cathedral Square in Vilnius. The spectators will be able to see a musical performance led by conductor Modestas Pitrėnas and Latvian and Estonian conductors Martinas Ozolinis and Erki Pehkas. The national ensemble "Lietuva", the Lithuanian National Symphony Orchestra, the state choir "Latvija", and the chamber choir "Aidija", as well as the bands "Happyendless", "Tautumeitas", and performer Maarja Nuut EE will take to the stage during the concert. Jievaras Jasinskis has created and arranged the musical pieces, and Dalius Abaris is the performance director.