Editing Lithuania (section)

==Culture==
{{Main|Culture of Lithuania}}
{{See also|List of Lithuanians}}

===Lithuanian language===
{{Main|Lithuanian language}}
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| image1 = Konstanty Szyrwid.PNG
| caption1 = A priest, lexicographer [[Konstantinas Sirvydas]] – cherisher of Lithuanian language in the 17th century
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| caption2 = [[Jonas Jablonskis]] is the father of standard Lithuanian language.
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The [[Lithuanian language]] (''lietuvių kalba'') is the official state language of Lithuania and is recognized as one of the [[official language]]s of the [[European Union]]. There are about 2.96 million native Lithuanian speakers in Lithuania and about 0.2 million abroad.

Lithuanian is a [[Baltic languages|Baltic language]], closely related to [[Latvian language|Latvian]], although they are not [[mutual intelligibility|mutually intelligible]]. It is written in an adapted version of the [[Latin alphabet|Roman script]]. Lithuanian is believed to be the [[conservative (language)|linguistically most conservative]] living [[Indo-European languages|Indo-European tongue]], retaining many features of [[Proto Indo-European language|Proto Indo-European]].<ref name="zinkevicius">{{cite book | author = Z. Zinkevičius | title = Rytų Lietuva praeityje ir dabar | publisher = Vilnius: [[Science and Encyclopaedia Publishing Centre|Mokslo ir enciklopedijų leidykla]] | year = 1993| page = 9| quote=...linguist generally accepted that Lithuanian language is the most archaic among live Indo-European languages...| isbn = 978-5-420-01085-3}}</ref> Lithuanian language studies are important for [[comparative linguistics]] and for reconstruction of [[Proto-Indo-European language]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.lituanus.org/1969/69_3_02.htm |title=THE IMPORTANCE OF LITHUANIAN FOR INDO-EUROPEAN LINGUISTICS |access-date=21 March 2018 |archive-date=9 May 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180509145609/http://www.lituanus.org/1969/69_3_02.htm}}</ref> Lithuanian was studied by linguists such as [[Franz Bopp]], [[August Schleicher]], [[Adalbert Bezzenberger]], [[Louis Hjelmslev]],<ref>{{cite book|title=Key Thinkers in Linguistics and the Philosophy of Language|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=kQ6CTNgAbPMC&q=danis+hjelmslev+studied+lithuanian&pg=PA124|format=PDF|page=124|access-date=4 March 2018|isbn = 978-0-19-518768-7|last1 = Chapman|first1 = Siobhan|last2 = Routledge|first2 = Christopher|year = 2005| publisher=Oxford University Press}}</ref> [[Ferdinand de Saussure]],<ref>{{cite web|title=Why Lithuanian Accentuation Mattered to Saussure|url=http://www.lel.ed.ac.uk/~josephj/LHI_Joseph%5b1%5d.pdf|website=Lel.ed.ac.uk|access-date=1 April 2018|archive-date=24 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210224193735/http://www.lel.ed.ac.uk/~josephj/LHI_Joseph%5b1%5d.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Winfred P. Lehmann]], [[Vladimir Toporov]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Remembering Vladimir Toporov|url=http://www.lituanus.org/2007/07_2_01%20Sabaliauskas.html|website=Lituanus.org|access-date=4 April 2018|archive-date=24 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210224180000/http://www.lituanus.org/2007/07_2_01%20Sabaliauskas.html}}</ref> and others.

[[File:The earliest known Lithuanian glosses (~1520–1530), words (tepridaužia, ubagystė).jpg|thumb|left|The earliest known Lithuanian glosses (between 1520 and 1530) written in the margins of [[Johann Herolt]] book ''Liber Discipuli de eruditione Christifidelium''. Words: ''teprÿdav[ſ]ʒÿ'' (let it strike), ''vbagÿſte'' (indigence).]]
There are two main dialects of the Lithuanian language: [[Aukštaitian dialect]] and [[Samogitian dialect]]. Aukštaitian dialect is mainly used in the central, southern and eastern parts of Lithuania while Samogitian dialect is used in the western part of the country.<ref name="auto">{{cite web|title=Lietuvių kalbos tarmės|url=http://geografija6-8.mkp.emokykla.lt/lt/mo/zinynas/lietuviu_kalbos_tarmes/|access-date=27 June 2020|archive-date=23 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210623222325/http://geografija6-8.mkp.emokykla.lt/lt/mo/zinynas/lietuviu_kalbos_tarmes/|url-status=live}}</ref> The Samogitian dialect also has many completely different words and is even considered a separate language by some linguists.<ref>{{cite web|title=Dr. Juozas Pabrėža: "Stipriausia kalba Lietuvoje yra žemaičių"|url=http://www.santarve.lt/aktualijos/seniunijoje/dr-juozas-pabreza-stipriausia-kalba-lietuvoje-yra-zemaiciu/|website=santarve.lt|access-date=17 February 2018|archive-date=3 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190503154650/http://www.santarve.lt/aktualijos/seniunijoje/dr-juozas-pabreza-stipriausia-kalba-lietuvoje-yra-zemaiciu/}}</ref> Nowadays, the distinguishing feature between the two main Lithuanian dialects is the unequal pronunciation of accented and unaccented two-vowels uo and ie.<ref name="auto"/>

The groundwork for written Lithuanian was laid in 16th and 17th centuries by Lithuanian noblemen and scholars, who promoted Lithuanian language, created dictionaries and published books – [[Mikalojus Daukša]], [[Stanislovas Rapolionis]], [[Abraomas Kulvietis]], [[Jonas Bretkūnas]], [[Martynas Mažvydas]], [[Konstantinas Sirvydas]], Simonas Vaišnoras-Varniškis.<ref>{{cite web|title=Vaišnoras Simonas (Varniškis) apie 1545 – †1600 XI 16|url=http://www.varniai-museum.lt/index.php?mid=11&art=460&langID=1|website=Varniai-museum.lt|access-date=16 April 2018|archive-date=25 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210225162228/http://www.varniai-museum.lt/index.php?mid=11&art=460&langID=1}}</ref>
The first grammar book of the Lithuanian language ''Grammatica Litvanica'' was published in Latin in 1653 by [[Daniel Klein (grammarian)|Danielius Kleinas]].

[[Jonas Jablonskis]]' works and activities are especially important for the Lithuanian literature moving from the use of dialects to a standard Lithuanian language. The linguistic material which he collected was published in the 20 volumes of [[Academic Dictionary of Lithuanian]] and is still being used in research and in editing of texts and books. He also introduced the letter ''ū'' into Lithuanian writing.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Šlekonytė|first1=Jūratė|title=Lietuvių tautosakos populiarintojas Jonas Jablonskis|url=http://www.llti.lt/failai/23_Sukaktys_Jablonskis.pdf|website=llti.lt|access-date=17 February 2018|archive-date=27 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210227081301/http://www.llti.lt/failai/23_Sukaktys_Jablonskis.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Literature===
{{Main|Lithuanian literature}}
[[File:Mažvydo Katekizmas, Vilnius.jpg|thumb|upright|The first Lithuanian [[printing|printed]] book, ''[[Catechism of Martynas Mažvydas]]'' (1547, Königsberg)]]
[[File:Radivilias.jpg|thumb|right|upright|The title page of ''Radivilias'' (1592, Vilnius). The poem celebrating commander [[Mikołaj "the Red" Radziwiłł|Mikalojus Radvila Rudasis]] (1512–1584) and recounts the [[Battle of Ula|famous victory]] of [[Lithuanian Armed Forces]] over Moscow troops (1564).<ref>{{cite web |last1=Radvanas |first1=Jonas |title=Radivilias, sive De vita, et rebus praeclarissime gestis immortalis memoriae |url=http://www.theeuropeanlibrary.org/exhibition-reading-europe/detail.html?id=97294 |website=theeuropeanlibrary.org |publisher=ex officina Ioannis Kartzani |access-date=14 July 2018}}</ref>]]
There is a great deal of Lithuanian literature written in [[Latin]], the main scholarly language of the Middle Ages. The edicts of the Lithuanian King [[Mindaugas]] are the prime example of the literature of this kind. The [[Letters of Gediminas]] are another crucial heritage of the Lithuanian Latin writings.

One of the first Lithuanian authors who wrote in Latin was [[Mikołaj Hussowczyk|Nicolaus Hussovianus]] (around 1480 – after 1533). His poem ''Carmen de statura, feritate ac venatione bisontis'' (''A Song about the Appearance, Savagery and Hunting of the Bison''), published in 1523, describes the Lithuanian landscape, way of life and customs, touches on some actual political problems, and reflects the clash of paganism and Christianity. A person under the pseudonym {{ill|Michalo Lituanus|lt}} (around 1490 – 1560) wrote a treatise ''[[De moribus tartarorum, lituanorum et moscorum]]'' (''On the Customs of Tatars, Lithuanians and Muscovites'') in the middle of the 16th century, but it was not published until 1615. An extraordinary figure in the cultural life of Lithuania in the 16th century was the lawyer and poet of Spanish origin Petrus Roysius Maurus Alcagnicensis (around 1505 – 1571). The publicist, lawyer, and mayor of Vilnius, [[Augustinus Rotundus]] (around 1520–1582) wrote a no longer existent history of Lithuania in Latin around the year 1560. loannes Radvanus, a humanist poet of the second half of the 16th century, wrote an epic poem imitating the [[Aeneid]] of [[Virgil|Vergil]]. His ''Radivilias'', intended to become the Lithuanian national epic, was published in Vilnius in 1588.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Dambrauskaitė |first1=Ramunė |title=A Latin Funeral Oration From Vilnius (1594) |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=101lb8v-bJcC&pg=PA253 |publisher=Leuven University Press, Humanistica Lovaniensia |access-date=13 July 2018 |location=Leuven |page=253 |date=1995|isbn=978-90-6186-680-0}}</ref>

17th century Lithuanian scholars also wrote in Latin – {{ill|Kazimieras Kojelavičius-Vijūkas|lt|Kojelavičius}}, [[Žygimantas Liauksminas]] are known for their Latin writings in theology, rhetorics and music. [[Albertas Kojalavičius-Vijūkas]] wrote first printed Lithuanian history ''Historia Lithuania''.

Lithuanian literary works in the [[Lithuanian language]] started being first published in the 16th century. In 1547 [[Martynas Mažvydas]] compiled and published the first printed Lithuanian book ''Katekizmo prasti žodžiai'' (''The Simple Words of Catechism''), which marks the beginning of literature, printed in Lithuanian. He was followed by [[Mikalojus Daukša]] with ''Katechizmas''. In the 16th and 17th centuries, as in the whole Christian Europe, Lithuanian literature was primarily religious.

The evolution of the old (14th–18th century) Lithuanian literature ends with [[Kristijonas Donelaitis]], one of the most prominent authors of the [[Age of Enlightenment]]. Donelaitis' poem ''Metai'' (''[[The Seasons (poem)|The Seasons]]'') is a landmark of the Lithuanian fiction literature, written in [[hexameter]].<ref name="INST">Institute of Lithuanian Scientific Society. {{cite web|url=http://anthology.lms.lt/ |title=Lithuanian Classic Literature |access-date=16 February 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050204191505/http://anthology.lms.lt/ |archive-date=4 February 2005}}</ref>

With a mix of [[Classicism]], [[Sentimentalism (literature)|Sentimentalism]] and [[Romanticism]], the Lithuanian literature of the first half of the 19th century is represented by [[Maironis]], [[Antanas Baranauskas]], [[Simonas Daukantas]], [[Oscar Milosz]], and [[Simonas Stanevičius]].<ref name="INST" /> During the Tsarist annexation of Lithuania in the 19th century, the [[Lithuanian press ban]] was implemented, which led to the formation of the [[Knygnešiai]] (Book smugglers) movement. This movement is thought{{who|date=October 2024}} to be the very reason the Lithuanian language and literature survived.

20th-century Lithuanian literature is represented by [[Juozas Tumas-Vaižgantas]], [[Antanas Vienuolis]], [[Bernardas Brazdžionis]], [[Antanas Škėma]], [[Balys Sruoga]], [[Vytautas Mačernis]] and [[Justinas Marcinkevičius]].{{Citation needed|date=October 2024}}

In 21st century debuted [[Kristina Sabaliauskaitė]], Renata Šerelytė, Valdas Papievis, [[Laura Sintija Černiauskaitė]], [[Ruta Sepetys|Rūta Šepetys]].{{Citation needed|date=October 2024}}

===Architecture===
{{See also|Lithuanian design}}
[[File:Album Wilenskie. 1845-1875 (5552457) (cropped).jpg|thumb|left|180px|[[Vilnius Cathedral]] by [[Laurynas Gucevičius]]]]
Several [[List of architects from Lithuania|famous Lithuania-related architects]] are notable for their achievements in the field of architecture. [[Johann Christoph Glaubitz]], [[Marcin Knackfus]], [[Laurynas Gucevičius]] and [[Karol Podczaszyński]] were instrumental in introducing [[Baroque architecture|Baroque]] and [[Neoclassical architecture|neoclassical]] architectural movements to the Lithuanian architecture during the seventeenth to nineteenth centuries.<ref>{{cite web|title=Lithuanian Baroque architecture|url=http://www.kpd.lt/uploads/EN/Heritage%20in%20Lithuania/Heritage%20in%20Lithuania/9_LITHUANIAN_BAROQUE_ARCHITECTURE.pdf|website=kpd.lt|access-date=20 February 2018|archive-date=8 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190808021028/http://www.kpd.lt/uploads/EN/Heritage%20in%20Lithuania/Heritage%20in%20Lithuania/9_LITHUANIAN_BAROQUE_ARCHITECTURE.pdf}}</ref> [[Vilnius]] is considered as a capital of the Eastern Europe Baroque.<ref>{{cite web|title=Vilniaus barokas|url=http://www.ivilnius.lt/apie-vilniu/architektura/barokas/|website=iVilnius.lt|access-date=20 February 2018|archive-date=17 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210417194854/http://www.ivilnius.lt/apie-vilniu/architektura/barokas/|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Vilnius Old Town]] that is full of astonishing Baroque churches and other buildings is a [[UNESCO World Heritage Site]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Vilnius Historic Centre|url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/541|website=whc.unesco.org|access-date=20 February 2018|archive-date=27 October 2005|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051027114553/https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/541|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:Grycia, 2007-04-21.jpg|thumb|''Gryčia'' (traditional dwelling house, built in the 19th century)]]
Lithuania is also known for [[List of castles in Lithuania|numerous castles]]. About twenty castles exist in Lithuania. Some castles had to be rebuilt or survive partially. Many [[Lithuanian nobility|Lithuanian noble]]s' historic [[List of palaces and manor houses in Lithuania|palaces and manor houses]] have remained till the nowadays and were reconstructed.<ref>{{cite web|title=Lietuvos dvarų duomenų bazė|url=http://www.heritage.lt/dvarai/|website=heritage.lt|access-date=20 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180209184503/http://www.heritage.lt/dvarai/|archive-date=9 February 2018}}</ref> Lithuanian village life has existed since the days of [[Vytautas the Great]]. [[Zervynos]] and [[Kapiniškiai]] are two of many [[ethnographic village]]s in Lithuania.<ref>{{cite web|title=Ethnographic settlements of Lithuania|url=http://www.kpd.lt/uploads/EN/Heritage%20in%20Lithuania/Heritage%20in%20Lithuania/23_ETHNOGRAPHIC_SETTLEMENTS_OF_LITHUANIA.pdf|website=kpd.lt|access-date=20 February 2018|archive-date=8 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190808021041/http://www.kpd.lt/uploads/EN/Heritage%20in%20Lithuania/Heritage%20in%20Lithuania/23_ETHNOGRAPHIC_SETTLEMENTS_OF_LITHUANIA.pdf}}</ref> [[Rumšiškės]] is an open space museum where old ethnographic architecture is preserved.

During the [[interwar period]], [[Art Deco]], Lithuanian National Romanticism architectural style buildings were constructed in the Lithuania's temporary capital [[Kaunas]]. Its architecture is regarded as one of the finest examples of the European Art Deco and has received the [[European Heritage Label]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Kaunas of 1919–1940, Lithuania|url=https://ec.europa.eu/programmes/creative-europe/actions/heritage-label/sites/kaunas-1919-1940_en|website=ec.europa.eu|date=4 May 2016 |access-date=20 February 2018|archive-date=4 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201104192723/https://ec.europa.eu/programmes/creative-europe/actions/heritage-label/sites/kaunas-1919-1940_en|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Arts and museums===
{{Main|List of museums in Lithuania}}
[[File:Mikalojus Konstantinas Ciurlionis - FAIRY TALE (FAIRY TALE OF KINGS) - 1909.jpg|thumb|right|''Kings' Fairy Tale'' (1908–1909) by [[Mikalojus Konstantinas Čiurlionis]]]]
The [[Lithuanian Art Museum]] was founded in 1933 and is the largest museum of art conservation and display in Lithuania.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ldm.lt/LDM/History_LAM_en.htm |title=History of the Lithuanian Art Museum |website=Ldm.lt |access-date=5 June 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110510013109/http://www.ldm.lt/LDM/History_LAM_en.htm |archive-date=10 May 2011}}</ref> Among other important museums are the [[Palanga Amber Museum]], where [[amber]] pieces comprise a major part of the collection, National Gallery of Art, presenting collection of Lithuanian art of the 20th and 21st century, [[National Museum of Lithuania]] presenting Lithuanian archaeology, history and ethnic culture. In 2018 two private museums were opened – [[MO Museum]] devoted to modern and contemporary Lithuanian art and ''Tartle'',<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.tartle.lt/en/news.html |title=Tartle |website=tartle.lt |access-date=1 November 2018 |quote=The Art Centre TARTLE opened in Užupis district in Vilnius will provide an opportunity to get acquainted with Lithuanian art treasures and historical artefacts from cultural heritage of the pagan times to the contemporary art. The target of the collection and the art centre is not only to collect and bring back to homeland the Lithuanian cultural and historical heritage scattered all over the world.. |archive-date=16 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210516182614/https://www.tartle.lt/en/news.html |url-status=live}}</ref> exhibiting a collection of Lithuanian art heritage and artefacts.

Perhaps the most renowned figure in Lithuania's art community was the composer [[Mikalojus Konstantinas Čiurlionis]] (1875–1911), an internationally renowned musician. The [[2420 Čiurlionis]] asteroid, identified in 1975, honors his achievements. The [[M. K. Čiurlionis National Art Museum]], as well as the only military museum in Lithuania, [[Vytautas the Great War Museum]], are located in Kaunas.
[[Franciszek Smuglewicz]], [[Jan Rustem]], [[Józef Oleszkiewicz]] and [[Kanuty Rusiecki]] are the most prominent Lithuanian painters of the 18th and 19th centuries.<ref>{{cite web |title=Lietuvos tapyba |url=https://www.vle.lt/straipsnis/lietuvos-tapyba/ |website=Visuotinė lietuvių enciklopedija |access-date=12 February 2022 |language=lt |archive-date=12 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220212224043/https://www.vle.lt/straipsnis/lietuvos-tapyba/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

===Theatre===
[[File:Lithuanian National Drama Theatre in Vilnius, Lithuania in 2023.jpg|thumb|left|[[Lithuanian National Drama Theatre]]]]
Lithuania has theatres in [[Vilnius]], [[Kaunas]], [[Klaipėda]] and [[Panevėžys]]. These include [[Lithuanian National Drama Theatre]], ''[[Keistuolių Teatras|Keistuolių teatras]]'' (Theatre of Freaks) in Vilnius, [[Kaunas State Drama Theatre]], Theatre of Oskaras Koršunovas, Klaipėda Drama Theatre, Theatre of [[Gytis Ivanauskas]], Miltinis Drama Theatre in Panevėžys, The Doll's Theatre, [[Old Theatre of Vilnius]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Teatras|url=https://lrkm.lrv.lt/lt/veiklos-sritys/teatras|website=lrkm.lrv.lt|access-date=18 February 2018|language=lt|archive-date=23 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210623222206/https://lrkm.lrv.lt/lt/veiklos-sritys/teatras}}</ref> Theatre festivals include ''Sirenos'' (Sirens), ''TheATRIUM'', ''Nerk į teatrą'' (Dive into the Theatre).<ref>{{cite web|title=Sirenos|url=http://www.sirenos.lt/|website=sirenos.lt|access-date=18 February 2018|archive-date=15 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210515175753/https://www.sirenos.lt/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=FESTIVALIS "TheATRIUM"|url=http://kldt.lt/festivalis-the-atrium/|website=kldt.lt|access-date=18 February 2018|archive-date=30 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210430230735/https://kldt.lt/festivalis-the-atrium/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Festivalis "Nerk į teatrą"|url=http://dramosteatras.lt/lt/projektai/festivalis-nerk-i-teatra/|website=dramosteatras.lt|access-date=18 February 2018|archive-date=23 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210623222326/http://dramosteatras.lt/lt/projektai/festivalis-nerk-i-teatra/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Lithuanian theatre directors include [[Eimuntas Nekrošius]], [[Jonas Vaitkus]], Cezaris Graužinis, Gintaras Varnas, [[Dalia Ibelhauptaitė]] and Artūras Areima. Actors include Dainius Gavenonis, Rolandas Kazlas, Saulius Balandis and Gabija Jaraminaitė.<ref>{{cite web|title=Nariai|url=http://teatrosajunga.lt/member/|website=teatrosajunga.lt|access-date=18 February 2018|language=lt-LT|archive-date=27 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210627225847/https://teatrosajunga.lt/member/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Theatre director [[Oskaras Koršunovas]] was awarded the Swedish Commander Grand Cross – the [[Order of the Polar Star]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Oskaras Koršunovas|url=https://www.okt.lt/kurejai/oskaras-korsunovas/|website=Okt.lt|access-date=18 February 2018|language=lt-LT|archive-date=23 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210623222248/https://www.okt.lt/kurejai/oskaras-korsunovas/|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Cinema===
{{Main|Cinema of Lithuania}}
[[File:Kinas Romuva.JPG|thumb|[[Romuva Cinema]], the oldest still operational [[movie theater|cinema]] in Lithuania]]
On 28 July 1896, [[Thomas Edison]] live photography session was held in the Concerts Hall of the [[Botanical Garden of Vilnius University]]. After a year, similar American movies were available with the addition of special [[phonograph record]]s that also provided sound. In 1909, Lithuanian cinema pioneers [[Antanas Račiūnas]] and [[Ladislas Starevich]] released their first movies. Soon the Račiūnas' recordings of Lithuania's views became very popular among the [[Lithuanian Americans]] abroad. In 1925, Pranas Valuskis filmed movie ''Naktis Lietuvoje'' (Night in Lithuania) about [[Lithuanian book smugglers]] that left the first bright Lithuanian footprint in [[Hollywood (film industry)|Hollywood]]. The most significant and mature Lithuanian American movie of the time ''Aukso žąsis'' (Golden goose) was created in 1965 by {{ill|Birutė Pūkelevičiūtė|lt}} that featured motifs from the [[Brothers Grimm]] fairy tales. In 1940, [[Romuva Cinema]] was opened in [[Kaunas]] and currently is the oldest still operational cinema in Lithuania. After the occupation of the state, movies mostly were used for the [[Soviet propaganda]] purposes, nevertheless Almantas Grikevičius, Gytis Lukšas, Henrikas Šablevičius, Arūnas Žebriūnas, Raimondas Vabalas were able to overcome the obstacles and create valuable films. After the restoration of the independence, [[Šarūnas Bartas]], [[Audrius Stonys]], [[Arūnas Matelis]], Audrius Juzėnas, [[Algimantas Puipa]], {{ill|Janina Lapinskaitė|lt}}, Dijana and her husband Kornelijus Matuzevičius received success in international movie festivals.<ref>{{cite web |title=Kino Lietuvoje istorija |url=https://sites.google.com/site/lietuvoskinas19/lietuvos-kinas |website=sites.google.com |access-date=26 June 2018 |archive-date=25 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210225094905/https://sites.google.com/site/lietuvoskinas19/lietuvos-kinas}}</ref>

In 2018, 4,265,414 cinema tickets were sold in Lithuania with the average price of €5.26.<ref>{{cite web |title=Faktai ir statistika |url=http://www.lkc.lt/faktai-ir-statistika/ |website=lkc.lt |access-date=22 September 2019 |language=lt-LT |archive-date=7 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210207204352/http://www.lkc.lt/faktai-ir-statistika/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

===Music===
{{Main|Music of Lithuania}}
{{See also|Lithuanian folk music}}
{{multiple image
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| footer = Lithuanians dancing at ''Skamba skamba kankliai'' festival and singing at [[Lithuanian Song Festival|Lithuanian Song and Dance Festival]] in [[Vingis Park]]
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| image1 = Skamba skamba kankliai 2010 - 12.jpg
| image2 = Dainu svente 2009-07-06.jpg
}}
Lithuanian folk music belongs to [[Baltic languages|Baltic]] music branch which is connected with [[Neolithic]] [[corded ware]] culture. Two instrument cultures meet in the areas inhabited by Lithuanians: stringed ([[Kanklės|kanklių]]) and wind instrument cultures. Lithuanian folk music is archaic, mostly used for ritual purposes, containing elements of [[paganism]] faith. There are three ancient styles of singing in Lithuania connected with ethnographical regions: [[monophony]], [[heterophony]] and [[polyphony]]. Folk song genres: Sutartinės (Multipart Songs),<ref>{{cite web|title=Sutartinės, Lithuanian multipart songs|url=https://ich.unesco.org/en/RL/sutartines-lithuanian-multipart-songs-00433|website=ich.unesco.org|access-date=17 April 2018|archive-date=8 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201208020335/https://ich.unesco.org/en/RL/sutartines-lithuanian-multipart-songs-00433|url-status=live}}</ref> Wedding Songs, War-Historical Time Songs, Calendar Cycle and Ritual Songs and Work Songs.<ref>{{cite web|title=Anthology of Lithuanian ethnoculture|url=http://www.lnkc.lt/eknygos/eka/|website=Lnkc.lt|access-date=23 January 2018|archive-date=23 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210623222324/http://www.lnkc.lt/eknygos/eka/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Italian artists organized the first [[opera]] in Lithuania on 4 September 1636 at the [[Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania|Palace of the Grand Dukes]] by the order of [[Władysław IV Vasa]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Operos dieną Valdovų rūmuose vainikuos pasaulinis šedevras – K. Monteverdžio opera "Orfėjas"|url=http://valdovurumai.lt/aktualijos/claudio-monteverdi-opera-orfejas-lorfeo|website=valdovurumai.lt|access-date=7 September 2015|archive-date=8 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308060834/https://www.valdovurumai.lt/aktualijos/claudio-monteverdi-opera-orfejas-lorfeo}}</ref> Currently, operas are staged at the [[Lithuanian National Opera and Ballet Theatre]] and also by independent troupe [[Vilnius City Opera]].

[[File:Mikalojus Konstantinas Čiurlionis photo portrait.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|left|Painter and composer [[Mikalojus Konstantinas Čiurlionis|M.K. Čiurlionis]]]]
[[Mikalojus Konstantinas Čiurlionis]] was a Lithuanian painter and composer. During his short life he created about 200 pieces of music. His works have influenced modern Lithuanian culture. His [[symphonic poem]]s ''In the Forest'' (''Miške'') and ''The Sea'' (''Jūra'') were performed only [[Posthumous work|posthumously]]. Čiurlionis contributed to symbolism and art nouveau and was representative of the fin de siècle epoch. He has been considered one of the pioneers of abstract art in Europe.<ref>{{cite web|title=Painting {{!}} M. K. Čiurlionis|url=http://ciurlionis.eu/en/painting/|website=ciurlionis.eu|access-date=22 January 2018|archive-date=23 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210623222149/http://ciurlionis.eu/en/painting/|url-status=live}}</ref>

In Lithuania, [[choral music]] is important. [[Vilnius]] is the only city with three choirs laureates (Brevis, Jauna Muzika and Chamber Choir of the Conservatoire) at the [[European Grand Prix for Choral Singing]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Murauskaitė |first1=Rasa |title=Trys meilės chorui dešimtmečiai. Pokalbis su Vaclovu Augustinu |url=https://www.15min.lt/kultura/naujiena/muzika/trys-meiles-chorui-desimtmeciai-pokalbis-su-vaclovu-augustinu-284-1207238 |website=[[15min.lt]] |access-date=31 October 2019 |language=lt |archive-date=17 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210417174122/https://www.15min.lt/kultura/naujiena/muzika/trys-meiles-chorui-desimtmeciai-pokalbis-su-vaclovu-augustinu-284-1207238 |url-status=live}}</ref> There is a long-standing tradition of the ''Dainų šventė'' ([[Lithuanian Song Festival|Lithuanian Song and Dance Festival]]). The first one took place in [[Kaunas]] in 1924. Since 1990, the festival has been organised every four years and summons roughly 30,000 singers and folk dancers of various professional levels and age groups from across the country.<ref>{{cite web|title=Lithuanian Song Festival|url=http://www.dainusvente.lt/en/history/|website=DainuSvente.lt|access-date=23 January 2018|archive-date=11 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210611213024/https://www.dainusvente.lt/en/history/}}</ref> In 2008, Lithuanian Song and Dance Festival together with its [[Latvian Song and Dance Festival|Latvian]] and [[Estonian Song Festival|Estonian]] versions was inscribed as UNESCO [[Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity|Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity]].<ref>{{cite book|title=Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity|date=2005|publisher=[[UNESCO]]|page=50|url=http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0014/001473/147344e.pdf|access-date=23 January 2018|archive-date=17 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170617201025/http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0014/001473/147344e.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> ''Gatvės muzikos diena'' (Street Music Day) gathers musicians of various genres annually.<ref>{{cite web|title=Street Music Day|url=http://gmd.lt/en|website=gmd.lt|access-date=10 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180311021339/http://gmd.lt/en|archive-date=11 March 2018}}</ref>

Modern classical composers emerged in seventies – [[Bronius Kutavičius]], {{ill|Feliksas Bajoras|lt}}, [[Osvaldas Balakauskas]], [[Onutė Narbutaitė]], [[Vidmantas Bartulis]] and others. Most of those composers explored archaic Lithuanian music and its harmonic combination with modern minimalism and neoromanticism.<ref>{{cite web|title=The Modern Music of Lithuania: Past & Present|url=http://www.mic.lt/en/database/classical/history/|website=Mic.lt|access-date=25 March 2018|archive-date=27 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210627234436/https://www.mic.lt/en/database/classical/history/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Jazz scene was active even during the years of Soviet occupation. In 1970–71 the Ganelin/Tarasov/Chekasin trio established the Vilnius Jazz School.<ref>{{cite web|title=Jazz in Lithuania|url=http://www.vilniusjazz.lt/press/99jil.php|website=Vilniusjazz.lt|access-date=25 March 2018|archive-date=27 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210227190616/http://www.vilniusjazz.lt/press/99jil.php|url-status=live}}</ref> Most known annual events are [[Vilnius Jazz Festival]], [[Kaunas Jazz]], Birštonas Jazz.
[[Music Information Centre Lithuania]] (MICL) collects, promotes and shares information on Lithuanian musical culture.

====Rock and protest music====
{{Main|Rock music in Lithuania}}
[[File:Antis rock band on stage during the first edition of the Rock March (Vilnius, Lithuania, 1987).jpg|thumb|Rock band [[Antis (band)|Antis]], which under firm [[Censorship in the Soviet Union|censorship]] actively mocked the [[Soviet Union]] regime by using [[metaphor]]s in their lyrics, during an [[anti-Sovietism]], [[anti-communism]] concert in 1987]]
After the [[Soviet occupation of the Baltic states (1944)|Soviet reoccupation of Lithuania in 1944]], the [[Censorship in the Soviet Union|Soviet's censorship]] continued firmly controlling all artistic expressions in Lithuania, and any violations by criticizing the regime would immediately result in punishments.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Sinitsyna|first1=Olga|title=CENSORSHIP IN THE SOVIET UNION AND ITS CULTURAL AND PROFESSIONAL RESULTS FOR ARTS AND ART LIBRARIES|date=1999|url=https://forge.fh-potsdam.de/~IFLA/INSPEL/99-1sino.pdf|access-date=22 January 2018|archive-date=8 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308143445/https://forge.fh-potsdam.de/~IFLA/INSPEL/99-1sino.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> The first local rock bands started to emerge around 1965 and included ''Kertukai'', ''Aitvarai'' and ''Nuogi ant slenksčio'' in Kaunas, and [[Kęstutis Antanėlis]], ''Vienuoliai'', and ''Gėlių Vaikai'' in Vilnius, among others. Unable to express their opinions directly, the Lithuanian artists began organizing patriotic [[Roko maršas|Roko Maršai]] and were using [[metaphor]]s in their songs' lyrics, which were easily identified for their true meanings by the locals.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Tilvikaitė|first1=Patricija|title=Ir lietuviškas rokas padėjo Lietuvai atkurti Nepriklausomybę|url=http://www.universitetozurnalistas.kf.vu.lt/2016/08/ir-lietuviskas-rokas-padejo-lietuvai-atkurti-nepriklausomybe/|website=Universitetozurnalistas.kf.vu.lt|access-date=23 August 2016|language=lt|archive-date=23 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210623222325/http://www.universitetozurnalistas.kf.vu.lt/2016/08/ir-lietuviskas-rokas-padejo-lietuvai-atkurti-nepriklausomybe/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=A. Mamontovas: "Roko maršai" buvo toks įrankis, koks dabar yra internetas|url=http://kauno.diena.lt/naujienos/lietuva/salies-pulsas/mamontovas-roko-marsai-buvo-toks-irankis-koks-dabar-yra-internetas-801615|website=Kauno diena / LRT|date=12 March 2017|access-date=12 March 2017|language=lt|archive-date=27 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210627235041/https://kauno.diena.lt/naujienos/lietuva/salies-pulsas/mamontovas-roko-marsai-buvo-toks-irankis-koks-dabar-yra-internetas-801615|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Postmodernist]] [[Rock music|rock]] band [[Antis (band)|Antis]] and its vocalist [[Algirdas Kaušpėdas]] were one of the most active performers who mocked the Soviet regime by using metaphors. For example, in the song ''Zombiai'' (Zombies), the band indirectly sang about the [[Red Army]] soldiers who occupied the state and its military base in [[Ukmergė]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Ukmergės karinis miestelis|url=http://www.autc.lt/lt/architekturos-objektai/1558|website=Autc.lt|access-date=22 January 2018|archive-date=23 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210623222917/http://www.autc.lt/lt/architekturos-objektai/1558}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Knyga "Antiška" (II dalis): iki "Anties" lietuviai nežinojo, kas yra zombis (ištrauka, video)|url=https://kultura.lrytas.lt/literatura/knyga-antiska-ii-dalis-iki-anties-lietuviai-nezinojo-kas-yra-zombis-istrauka-video.htm|website=[[Lrytas.lt]]|access-date=29 July 2013|language=lt-LT|archive-date=23 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210623222913/https://kultura.lrytas.lt/literatura/knyga-antiska-ii-dalis-iki-anties-lietuviai-nezinojo-kas-yra-zombis-istrauka-video.htm}}</ref> [[Vytautas Kernagis]]' song ''Kolorado vabalai'' ([[Colorado potato beetle|Colorado beetles]]) was also a favourite due to its lyrics in which true meaning of the Colorado beetles was intended to be the Soviets decorated with the [[Ribbon of Saint George|Ribbons of Saint George]].<ref>{{cite web|last1=Bacanskas|first1=Benas|title=Dainos teatras – Kolorado vabalai (1991-12-25)|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GDLmyqENH3U| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210809142047/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GDLmyqENH3U| archive-date=9 August 2021|website=[[YouTube]]|access-date=19 December 2014|date=19 December 2014}}</ref>

In the early independence years, rock band [[Foje]] was particularly popular and gathered tens of thousands of spectators to the concerts.<ref>{{cite web|title=A. Mamontovas: padėsime galutinį tašką "Foje" istorijoje – LRT|url=http://www.lrt.lt/naujienos/kalba-vilnius/32/26683/a-mamontovas-padesime-galutini-taska-foje-istorijoje|website=LRT|date=6 October 2013|access-date=6 October 2013|language=lt|archive-date=27 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210627232410/https://www.lrt.lt/naujienos/kalba-vilnius/32/26683/a-mamontovas-padesime-galutini-taska-foje-istorijoje|url-status=live}}</ref> After disbanding in 1997, Foje vocalist [[Andrius Mamontovas]] remained one of the most prominent Lithuanian performers and an active participant in various [[Charity (practice)|charity]] events.<ref>{{cite web|title=A. Mamontovas: populiarumą išnaudoju geriems darbams|url=http://www.lrt.lt/naujienos/kultura/26/117983/a-mamontovas-populiaruma-isnaudoju-geriems-darbams|website=LRT|date=31 October 2015|access-date=31 October 2015|language=lt|archive-date=30 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210430135756/https://www.lrt.lt/naujienos/kultura/26/117983/a-mamontovas-populiaruma-isnaudoju-geriems-darbams|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Marijonas Mikutavičius]] is famous for creating unofficial Lithuania sport anthem ''Trys milijonai'' (Three millions) and official anthem of the [[EuroBasket 2011]] ''Nebetyli sirgaliai'' (English version was named ''Celebrate Basketball'').<ref>{{YouTube|fmmg3Wl86kQ|Marijonas Mikutavičius – Trys milijonai}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Marijonas Mikutavičius, Mantas, Mia – Nebetyli sirgaliai|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0TyDEPzXr3M|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190109115739/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0TyDEPzXr3M&gl=US&hl=en|archive-date=9 January 2019|website=[[YouTube]]|access-date=15 October 2014|date=15 October 2014|url-status=bot: unknown}}</ref>

===Cuisine===
{{Main|Lithuanian cuisine}}
[[File:Juoda duona.JPG|thumb|upright=.80|Lithuanian dark [[rye bread]]]]
[[File:Karmėlavos Cepelinas.JPG|thumb|upright=.80|''[[Cepelinai]]'', a [[potato]]-based dumpling dish characteristic of [[Lithuanian cuisine]] with meat, [[curd]] or mushrooms]]
Lithuanian cuisine features the products suited to the cool and [[Maritime climate|moist]] [[Continental climate|northern climate]] of Lithuania: [[barley]], [[potato]]es, [[rye]], [[beet]]s, greens, berries, and [[mushroom]]s are locally grown, and dairy products are one of its specialties. [[Fish]] dishes are very popular in the coastal region.<ref>{{cite web|title=Tradicinė lietuviška virtuvė|url=https://www.delfi.lt/gyvenimas/receptai/tradicine-lietuviska-virtuve.d?id=12788805|website=DELFI|access-date=8 April 2007|archive-date=17 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210417194304/https://www.delfi.lt/gyvenimas/receptai/tradicine-lietuviska-virtuve.d?id=12788805|url-status=live}}</ref> Since it shares its climate and agricultural practices with Northern Europe, Lithuanian cuisine has some similarities to [[Scandinavian cuisine]]. Nevertheless, it has its own distinguishing features, which were formed by a variety of influences during the country's long and difficult history.

Dairy products are an important part of traditional Lithuanian cuisine. These include white cottage cheese (''varškės sūris''), curd (''varškė''), soured milk (''rūgpienis''), sour cream (''grietinė''), butter (''sviestas''), and sour cream butter ''kastinis''. Traditional meat products are usually seasoned, matured and smoked – smoked sausages (''dešros''), lard (''lašiniai''), ''[[skilandis]]'', smoked ham (''kumpis''). Soups (''sriubos'') – boletus soup (''baravykų sriuba''), cabbage soup (''kopūstų sriuba''), beer soup (''alaus sriuba''), milk soup (''pieniška sriuba''), cold-beet soup (''šaltibarščiai'') and various kinds of porridges (''košės'') are part of tradition and daily diet. Freshwater fish, herring, wild berries and mushrooms, honey are highly popular diet to this day.<ref>{{cite web|title=Lietuvos virtuvė|url=https://maistologija.wordpress.com/2010/08/07/lietuvos-virtuve/|website=maistologija.wordpress.com|date=7 August 2010|access-date=25 March 2018|language=lt|archive-date=23 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210623222139/https://maistologija.wordpress.com/2010/08/07/lietuvos-virtuve/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=The only guide to Lithuanian cuisine you will ever need|url=https://www.urbanadventures.com/blog/guide-lithuanian-cuisine.html|website=Urbanadventures.com|access-date=5 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180406041111/https://www.urbanadventures.com/blog/guide-lithuanian-cuisine.html|archive-date=6 April 2018}}</ref>

[[File:Biržų 1686 Jubiliejinis Alus (9834933134).jpg|thumb|upright=.65|left|Lithuania has longlasting [[Beer in Lithuania|beer brewing traditions]].]]
One of the oldest and most fundamental Lithuanian food products was and is rye bread. Rye bread is eaten every day for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Bread played an important role in family rituals and agrarian ceremonies.<ref>{{cite web|title=LITHUANIAN TRADITIONAL FOODS – BREAD|url=http://www.lnkc.lt/eknygos/eka/food/bread.html|website=Lnkc.lt|access-date=25 March 2018|archive-date=25 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180325233234/http://www.lnkc.lt/eknygos/eka/food/bread.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

Lithuanians and other nations that once formed part of the [[Grand Duchy of Lithuania]] share many dishes and beverages. [[German cuisine|German traditions]] also influenced Lithuanian cuisine, introducing pork and potato dishes, such as potato pudding (''kugelis'' or kugel) and [[Kishka (food)|potato sausages]] (''vėdarai''), as well as the baroque tree cake known as ''[[Šakotis]]''. The most exotic of all the influences is Eastern (Karaite) cuisine – the ''[[kibinai]]'' are popular in Lithuania. Lithuanian noblemen usually hired French chefs, so [[French cuisine]] influence came to Lithuania in this way.<ref>{{cite web|title=Kokią įtaką Lietuvos virtuvei padarė prancūzai?|url=https://www.15min.lt/maistas/naujiena/virtuve/kokia-itaka-lietuvos-virtuvei-padare-prancuzai-1044-719414|website=15min.lt|access-date=26 March 2018|language=lt|archive-date=26 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180326064821/https://www.15min.lt/maistas/naujiena/virtuve/kokia-itaka-lietuvos-virtuvei-padare-prancuzai-1044-719414|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[Balts]] were using [[mead]] (''[[midus]]'') for thousands of years.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Astrauskas|first1=Antanas|title=Per barzdą varvėjo: svaigiųjų gėrimų istorija Lietuvoje|date=2008|publisher=Baltos lankos|location=Vilnius|isbn=978-9955-23-141-7}}</ref> Beer (''alus'') is the most common alcoholic beverage. Lithuania has a long farmhouse [[Beer in Lithuania|beer tradition]], first mentioned in 11th century chronicles. Beer was brewed for ancient Baltic [[Festival|festivities]] and rituals.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.llti.lt/failai/05_Laurinkienes.pdf|website=Llti.lt|page=18|title=Alus – apeiginis baltų gėrimas|access-date=22 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190808021048/http://www.llti.lt/failai/05_Laurinkienes.pdf|archive-date=8 August 2019}}</ref> Farmhouse brewing survived to a greater extent in Lithuania than anywhere else, and through accidents of history the Lithuanians then developed a commercial brewing culture from their unique farmhouse traditions.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.garshol.priv.no/download/lithuanian-beer-guide/book.pdf|website=Garshol.priv.no|page=5|title=Lithuanian beer – A rough guide|access-date=22 March 2018|archive-date=15 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141215235338/http://www.garshol.priv.no/download/lithuanian-beer-guide/book.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.garshol.priv.no/blog/253.html|website=Garshol.priv.no|title=Trying to understand Lithuanian beer|access-date=14 April 2018|archive-date=30 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210430211724/https://www.garshol.priv.no/blog/253.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Lithuania is top 5 by consumption of beer per capita in Europe in 2015, counting 75 active breweries, 32 of them are microbreweries.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.brewersofeurope.org/uploads/mycms-files/documents/publications/2016/stats_2016_web.pdf|website=Brewersofeurope.org|title=Beer statistics – 2016 edition|access-date=25 March 2018|archive-date=1 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170701100831/http://www.brewersofeurope.org/uploads/mycms-files/documents/publications/2016/stats_2016_web.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> The microbrewery scene in Lithuania has grown, with a number of bars focusing on these beers opening in Vilnius and other parts of the country.{{Citation needed|date=October 2024}}

Eight Lithuanian restaurants are listed in the White Guide Baltic Top 30.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.whiteguide-nordic.com/nyheter/there-is-no-better-time-than-now-to-visit-baltic-restaurants|website=Whiteguide-nordic.com|title=The best restaurants in the Nordics|access-date=4 April 2018|archive-date=24 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210124174247/http://www.whiteguide-nordic.com/nyheter/there-is-no-better-time-than-now-to-visit-baltic-restaurants}}</ref> The local „30 geriausių restoranų” guide lists top domestic places,<ref>{{cite news | last1=Laurinavičienė | first1=Beatričė | last2=Budreikienė | first2=Jovita | title=Paskelbti 30 geriausių Lietuvos restoranų, pirmoje vietoje – "Gaspar's" | work=Verslo žinios | date=28 July 2023 | url=https://www.vz.lt/laisvalaikis/maistas-ir-gerimai/2023/07/28/paskelbti-30-geriausiu-lietuvos-restoranu-pirmoje-vietoje--gaspars | language=lt | access-date=5 June 2024 | archive-date=5 June 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240605134437/https://www.vz.lt/laisvalaikis/maistas-ir-gerimai/2023/07/28/paskelbti-30-geriausiu-lietuvos-restoranu-pirmoje-vietoje--gaspars | url-status=live}}</ref> and Lithuanian restaurants will appear in the [[Michelin Guide]] on 13 June 2024.<ref>{{cite news | last=Laurinavičienė | first=Beatričė | title="Michelin" gido įvertinti restoranai – ir Lietuvoje | work=Verslo žinios | date=11 April 2024 | url=https://www.vz.lt/laisvalaikis/maistas-ir-gerimai/2024/04/11/michelin-gido-ivertinti-restoranai--ir-lietuvoje | language=lt | access-date=5 June 2024 | archive-date=5 June 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240605124425/https://www.vz.lt/laisvalaikis/maistas-ir-gerimai/2024/04/11/michelin-gido-ivertinti-restoranai--ir-lietuvoje | url-status=live}}</ref>

===Media===
{{main|Mass media in Lithuania}}
The [[Constitution of Lithuania]] provides for [[freedom of speech]] and [[freedom of the press|press]], and the government generally respects these rights in practice. An independent press, an effective judiciary, and a functioning democratic political system combine to promote these freedoms. However, the constitutional definition of freedom of expression does not protect certain acts, such as incitement to national, racial, religious, or social hatred, violence and discrimination, or slander, and disinformation. It is a crime to deny or "grossly trivialize" Soviet or Nazi German crimes against Lithuania or its citizens, or to deny genocide, [[crimes against humanity]], or [[war crimes]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://2009-2017.state.gov/j/drl/rls/hrrpt/humanrightsreport/index.htm?year=2012&dlid=204308|title=Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2017|website=State.gov|access-date=18 October 2018|archive-date=23 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210623221806/https://2009-2017.state.gov/j/drl/rls/hrrpt/humanrightsreport/index.htm?year=2012&dlid=204308|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2021, the best-selling daily national newspapers in Lithuania were ''[[Lietuvos rytas]]'' (5.4% of all weekly [[List of newspapers in India by readership#Readership vs Circulation|readers]]), ''{{ill|Vakaro žinios|lt}}'' (3.2%), ''[[Kauno diena]]'' (2.9%). Best-selling weekly newspapers were ''{{ill|lt=Savaitė|Savaitė (1999)|lt}}'' (16.5%), ''{{ill|lt=Žmonės|Žmonės (žurnalas)|lt}}'' (8.4%), ''Prie kavos'' (4.1%), ''[[Lietuvos rytas|Savaitgalis]]'' (3.9%) and ''[[Verslo žinios]]'' (3.2%).<ref name="Kantar21">{{cite web |title=Annual Review of Media Surveys 2021 |url=https://www.kantar.lt/data/files/Metines_apzvalgos/Annual_Review_of_Media_Surveys_2021.pdf |publisher=Kantar |access-date=14 June 2023 |archive-date=19 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230619104838/https://www.kantar.lt/data/files/Metines_apzvalgos/Annual_Review_of_Media_Surveys_2021.pdf |url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2021, the most popular national [[television channel]]s in Lithuania were [[TV3 Lithuania|TV3]] (34.6% of the daily audience), [[LNK (television station)|LNK]] (32.3%), [[Lithuanian National Radio and Television]] (31.6%), [[BTV (Lithuania)|BTV]] (17.3%), [[Lietuvos rytas TV]] (16.2%), [[TV6 (Lithuanian TV channel)|TV6]] (15.3%).<ref name="Kantar21"/>

The most popular [[radio station]]s in Lithuania were [[M-1 (Lithuanian radio station)|M-1]] (14.5% of daily listeners), ''Lietus'' (12.7%), ''[[Radiocentras (Lithuanian radio station)|Radiocentras]]'' (9.1%) and ''[[LRT Radijas]]'' (8.5%).<ref name="Kantar21"/>

===Public holidays and festivals===
{{main|Public holidays in Lithuania}}
As a result of a thousand-years history, Lithuania has two [[National day]]s. The first one is the [[Statehood Day (Lithuania)|Statehood Day]] on 6 July, marking the establishment of the medieval [[Kingdom of Lithuania]] by [[Mindaugas]] in 1253. The creation of modern Lithuanian state is commemorated on 16 February as a [[Act of Independence of Lithuania|Lithuanian State Reestablishment Day]] on which declaration of independence from Russia and Germany was declared in 1918. [[Joninės]] (previously known as ''Rasos'') is a public holiday with [[pagan]]ic roots that celebrates a [[solstice]]. As of 2018, there are 13 public holidays (which come with a day off).<ref>{{cite web|title=National Holidays|url=http://www.vilnius-tourism.lt/en/media/cultural-events/national-holidays/|access-date=28 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180628125054/http://www.vilnius-tourism.lt/en/media/cultural-events/national-holidays/|archive-date=28 June 2018}}</ref>

[[Kaziuko mugė]] is an annual [[fair]] held since the beginning of the 17th century that commemorates the anniversary of [[Saint Casimir]]'s death and gathers thousands of visitors and many craftsmen. Other notable festivals are [[Vilnius International Film Festival]], [[Kauno Miesto Diena]], [[Klaipėda Sea Festival]], [[Mados infekcija]], [[Vilnius Book Fair]], [[Vilnius Marathon]], [[Devilstone Open Air]], {{ill|Apuolė 854|lt}}, [[Great Žemaičių Kalvarija Festival]].

{{Holidays of Lithuania|collapse=1}}

===Sports===
{{Main|Sport in Lithuania}}
[[Basketball]] is the most popular and [[national sport]] of Lithuania. The [[Lithuania men's national basketball team|Lithuania national basketball team]] has won the [[EuroBasket]] on three occasions ([[Eurobasket 1937|1937]], [[Eurobasket 1939|1939]] and [[Eurobasket 2003|2003]]), as well a total of 8 other medals in the Eurobasket, the [[FIBA World Championship|World Championships]] and the [[Basketball at the Summer Olympics|Olympic Games]]. 76% of the country's population watched the men's national team games live in 2014.<ref>{{cite web|title=Lietuvos krepšinio rinktinės kovas šįmet matė per 2 mln. televizijos žiūrovų|url=http://www.15min.lt/naujiena/sportas/krepsinis/lietuvos-krepsinio-rinktines-kovas-simet-mate-per-2-mln-televizijos-ziurovu-23-466445|archive-url=https://archive.today/20150127002110/http://www.15min.lt/naujiena/sportas/krepsinis/lietuvos-krepsinio-rinktines-kovas-simet-mate-per-2-mln-televizijos-ziurovu-23-466445|archive-date=27 January 2015|website=15min.lt|access-date=13 November 2014}}</ref> Lithuania hosted the Eurobasket in 1939 and [[Eurobasket 2011|2011]]. The historic Lithuanian basketball team [[BC Žalgiris]], from Kaunas, won the European basketball league [[Euroleague]] in 1999. Lithuania has [[List of Lithuanian NBA players|produced a number]] of [[National Basketball Association|NBA]] players, including [[Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame]] inductees [[Arvydas Sabonis]] and [[Šarūnas Marčiulionis]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hoophall.com/hall-of-famers-index/ |title=The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame – Hall of Famers Index |website=Hoophall.com |access-date=30 April 2016 |archive-date=25 March 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130325102924/http://www.hoophall.com/hall-of-famers-index/ |url-status=live}}</ref> and current NBA players [[Jonas Valančiūnas]], [[Domantas Sabonis]].<ref>{{cite press release |url=http://pr.nba.com/nba-rosters-international-players-2016-17/ |title=NBA rosters feature record 113 international players from 41 countries and territories |publisher=National Basketball Association |date=25 October 2016 |access-date=11 September 2017 |archive-date=1 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210501012400/https://pr.nba.com/nba-rosters-international-players-2016-17/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:La selección de Lituania celebra su tercer puesto en el Mundial de baloncesto 2010.jpg|thumb|[[Lithuania men's national basketball team]] is ranked eighth worldwide in [[FIBA Rankings]].]]
Lithuania has won a total of [[Lithuania at the Olympics|26 medals at the Olympic Games]], including 6 gold medals in [[Sport of athletics|athletics]], [[modern pentathlon]], [[Shooting sport|shooting]], and [[Swimming (sport)|swimming]]. Other Lithuanians won Olympic medals representing Soviet Union. [[Discus throw]]er [[Virgilijus Alekna]] is the most successful Olympic athlete of independent Lithuania, having won gold medals in the [[2000 Summer Olympics|2000 Sydney]] and [[2004 Summer Olympics|2004 Athens]] games, as well as a bronze in [[2008 Summer Olympics]] and numerous [[IAAF World Championships in Athletics|World Championship]] medals. More recently, a gold medal was won by 15-year-old swimmer [[Rūta Meilutytė]] at the [[2012 Summer Olympics]] in London, and sparked a rise in popularity for the sport in Lithuania.{{Citation needed|date=October 2024}}

Lithuania hosted the [[2021 FIFA Futsal World Cup]], the first time Lithuania had hosted a FIFA tournament.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Three cities set to host the FIFA Futsal World Cup Lithuania 2021™ |url=https://www.fifa.com/tournaments/mens/futsalworldcup/lithuania2021/media-releases/origin1904-p.cxm.fifa.comthree-cities-set-to-host-the-fifa-futsal-world-cup-lithuania-2020tm |access-date=26 July 2022 |website=www.fifa.com}}{{Dead link|date=February 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes}}</ref>

Few Lithuanian athletes have found success in [[winter sports]], although facilities are provided by several ice rinks and skiing slopes, including [[Snow Arena]], the first indoor ski slope in the [[Baltics]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://kauno.diena.lt/naujienos/sveikata/sveikata/ziemos-sportas-lietuvoje-podukros-vietoje-674533#.VRUtQaM1jct |title=Žiemos sportas Lietuvoje – podukros vietoje |language=lt |website=Kauno.diena.lt |date=10 February 2015 |access-date=30 April 2016 |archive-date=30 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210430183452/https://kauno.diena.lt/naujienos/sveikata/sveikata/ziemos-sportas-lietuvoje-podukros-vietoje-674533#.VRUtQaM1jct |url-status=live}}</ref> In 2018 [[Lithuania men's national ice hockey team]] won gold medals at the [[2018 IIHF World Championship Division I]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Jie tai padarė! Lietuviai žaibiškai atsitiesė po šalto dušo ir iškovojo istorinį titulą|url=https://www.15min.lt/sportas/naujiena/ziemos-sportas/jie-tai-padare-lietuviai-zaibiskai-atsitiese-po-salto-duso-ir-iskovojo-istorini-titula-295-963998|website=15min.lt|access-date=28 April 2018|archive-date=25 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210625120911/https://www.15min.lt/sportas/naujiena/ziemos-sportas/jie-tai-padare-lietuviai-zaibiskai-atsitiese-po-salto-duso-ir-iskovojo-istorini-titula-295-963998|url-status=live}}</ref>