When there is a threat to the freedom of Lithuania and the fundamental values of the country, the citizens of our country respond to the threat with concentration and songs. 106 years after the signing of the Declaration of Independence, and with the sky on the eastern side increasingly darkening, the songs and the rallying on the occasion of National Restoration Day seem more relevant than ever.
"For the third time, on the occasion of this holiday dear to every Lithuanian, we are organizing the festival "Echoes". After the official events of the Day of the Restoration of the State, we invite everyone who is not indifferent to rock and military songs to visit the art factory "Loftas" and celebrate this holiday as it should be - with bangs, with songs, until the morning. With love for Lithuania in my heart and a smile on my face", says Tomas Aleknavičius, head of the festival team.
The festival program, starting at 16 p.m., will be decorated by such well-known artists as "Thundertale", "Lietis", "Gyvata", "Andaja", "Sidabro", as well as - Lithuanian army "Aidas" men's choir of the Vilnius crew officers' branch.
The most hardy visitors of the festival are invited to join the wall-shaking night dances "Shokame laiswė" together with "Medetka", "Raskilos club", VDU "Šviesa", Augustus Černiauskas and Igna Dailyde. The bonfires of freedom, which have become a tradition in the old town of Vilnius, will be lit on the territory of the event, and famous patriotic folklore performers will be invited to gather around them - ensembles "Jorė", "Medgrinda", "Tankuojis", "Svirtis" and others.
"The festival is not only musical. He will also invite to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the birth of President Antanas Smetona and the 80th anniversary of the death of President Antanas Smetona, and the 115th anniversary of the birth and 70th anniversary of the death of General Jonas Žemaitis-Vytautas. This year, the visitors will be delighted again by the performance of tattoo artists, which has already become an "Aida" tradition, and the historical photo exhibition, where they will have the opportunity to see the Ukrainian photographer's shots from the events of January 13, which have not yet been exhibited in our country," adds T. Aleknavičius.
There will also be innovations at the "Aidas" festival. On the morning of the holiday, residents of Vilnius and guests of the city are invited to join the "Dawn of Independence" excursion around the old town of Vilnius. The excursion will be led by the guide historian Tomas Kuliešius. The discussion "How to light the fire of freedom in yourself?" will offer food for your brain. Historian Aistė Petrauskienė, public activist Rimantė Stepienė, performer Andrius Zalieska and representatives of the Lithuanian Rifle Association will meet there. The discussion will be moderated by archaeologist, LRT presenter Austėja Luchtanaitė.
"The performers gathered from all corners of Lithuania will spare no effort so that the celebration does not end until the morning. Let's hope on February 16 with the festival slogan: "Music for unity - rock for independence!", invites the festival organizer.
