Go Vilnius

Currently, Vilnius is a winter wonderland, or to be more specific, a frozen wonderland ❄️. In some parts, it's -23 Celsius (to our Fahrenheit friends, that's -9.4), which certainly highlights the beauty of Vilnius. Don't you agree?

*And a note to innocent tourists: please wear gloves, hats, and many layers. Locals can spot you from miles away, and it’s cold just looking at you! We beg you! 🧊

📸 by Gabriel Khiterer

January 13 – Freedom Defender's Day in Lithuania.

On March 11, 1990, Lithuania declared independence from Soviet occupation, becoming the first country in the entire bloc to do so. Ten months later, the Soviet government continued its aggression towards Lithuania's liberation. On January 13, 1991, Soviet troops were deployed to extinguish the spark of freedom in this small corner washed by the Baltic Sea. Many unarmed citizens rushed to protect key locations, pitting their small, fragile bodies against metal tanks – that was all they had. Today's Europe, and indeed today's Lithuania and Vilnius, would look very different if not for the bravery of these individuals who sparked a domino effect leading to the collapse of the Soviet Union.


Photos by Gabriel Khiterer.

34 years ago, a chain reaction was set off in the three Baltic states - #Lithuania, #Latvia, and #Estonia. Almost 2 million people came together, held hands, and formed a living, breathing chain that physically connected the three countries. The #BalticWay was born - a deeply moving and visually striking scene. It's one of those legendary, time-defining moments that shaped who we are today: free and independent.

Symbolically, tomorrow is Ukraine's Day of Independence. Stay strong, Ukraine. You did it once; you can do it again, and hopefully, that will be enough.

#SlavaUkraini!

📷 A. Stanevičius