LITHUANIA | Page 14

The public holidays of Lithuania: January 1st - New Year (also the National flag day) February 16th - Day of State Restoration March 11th - Day of Independence Restoration Date set by the Roman Catholic tradition - Velykos (Easter Sunday) Date set by the Roman Catholic tradition - Velykos (Easter Monday) May 1st - Labour day June 24th - Joninės / Rasos (St. John's day) July 6th - State day (Day of King Mindaugas corronation) August 15th - Žolinė / Virgin Mary Assumption day November 1st - All Saints day Some of the most popular religious holidays are the Day of the Souls (Vėlinės) on November the 2nd and All Saints Day, November 1st. It involves visiting the graves of one's relatives and lighting candles there (and additional candles on the uncared graves). A visit to any cemetary is spectacular that evening, with most graves alight with candles. Traditionally it was believed that souls come to visit the earth at this day and a special meal used to be left for them. 1st Junior High School of Sitia Greece