Baltic Unity Day (22/09)

Every year on September 22, Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia celebrate Baltic Unity Day.

In 1207, the Order of Sword Bearers captured the territories of the Livs, in 1214 — Latgalian lands. The purpose of the order was to gain military, political control over the Baltic and convert the Baltic people to Christianity.

On September 22, 1236, monks of the Order and crusaders carried out a robber raid on Lithuania. When they returned home with rich booty, in the city of Saule the Baltic people united and repelled the attack of the uninvited guests. The Order of Sword Bearers was defeated.

At the Battle of Saul, the master of the order fell, a large number of knights and order brethren were exterminated, as well as many crusaders and warriors. After this defeat, the Order was no longer able to rally new forces around itself. During its 34 years of activity, the Order caused great damage: it robbed, killed, burned.

In 2000, the parliaments of Latvia and Lithuania decided to declare September 22 Baltic Unity Day, in memory of that battle. Since then, the holiday has been celebrated annually. It is designed to unite the Baltic peoples and strengthen ties between states. After all, this date reminds residents of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia of their heroic past together.

And although today’s holiday is not a state holiday, it is very important for Lithuanians, Estonians and Latvians and includes many interesting events — thematic museum exhibitions, photo exhibitions, reconstructions of historical events, various events and other interesting events.

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