The Lithuanian Cultural Garden was very busy on One World Day in the Cleveland Cultural Gardens. One World Day has been the official event of the Cleveland Cultural Gardens Federation since 1946. The Lithuanian Garden participated in the Parade of Flags which had 1500 people from over 53 countries.
Lithuanian Cultural Garden in Parade of Flags
After the Parade of Flags they welcomed visitors to their Garden.
Why there are two St Casimir churches in close proximity in Cleveland
Watch a video of parishioner Joe Feckanin, explaining why there are two St Casimir churches in close proximity in Cleveland.
Lithuanian Athletes in the Pan Am Masters Games 2024
The Pan-American Masters Games are a multisport event for Masters Athletes over the age of 35. The 2024 Pan-American Masters Games were held in Cleveland Ohio USA and featured athletes from 6 continents, 48 states and more than 70 countries. Participants competed in 24 medal-contending sports. Athletes came from Lithuania to compete and were cheered on and taken on tours by members of the local Lithuanian community.
Pan Am Masters Athletes from Lithuania at the Lithuanian Club
The Cleveland Lithuanian Folk Dance Group "Svyturys" will be dancing at the 100th Lithuanian Song and Dance festival taking place July 4-6 2024 in Vilnius, Lithuania. The theme of the festival is "Let the forest be green." Long before Christianity, the Oak in Lithuania represented strength and wisdom and a powerful image of sacred value. Today Oak trees decorate the country as beautiful life forms. Oak trees are being planted in Lithuania and in various cities around the world by attendees of the festival as a symbol of unity.
On May 5, 2024, an Oak tree was planted in the Cleveland Lithuanian Cultural Garden on Martin Luther King Drive. The oak tree will beautify the garden and will remind the future generations that youth from Cleveland participated in the 100th Anniversary of the Lithuanian Song and Dance Festival in Vilnius, Lithuania.
Here are some photos from the Oak tree planting courtesy of Ingrida Bublys.
Cultural Gardens Federation President Dr. Wael Khoury
Lithuanian Independence Day Event - February 18, 2024
The Lithuanian community of Cleveland Ohio gathered at their Lithuanian Club on February 18, 2024 to celebrate Lithuania's Act of Independence which was signed on February 16, 1918, founding the modern Republic of Lithuania.
Along with speeches and a keynote address by Ukrainian activist Andy Fedynsky, there was music and dance.
Ingrida Bublys honored as Global Lithuanian Leaders in Vilnius
Ingrida Bublys is the first Honorary Consul of independent Lithuania in the USA and has been awarded by various Lithuanian and US institutions for her proactive efforts. Devoting most of her life to strengthening US-Lithuania relations in business, trade, science, and culture, she tirelessly promotes Lithuania globally. Ingrida constantly makes every effort to open the US market to companies exporting Lithuanian products. Her activities and relations with international, business and political organizations contribute to attracting US investments to Lithuania. In 2023, she played a key role in ensuring the success of the North American and Lithuanian Business Forum in Chicago.
On December 28, 2023 Ingrida was honored in Vilnius, Lithuania with the 2023,"Global Lithuanian Leaders" GLL Award at a special event. The 2023 GLL Award is "For fostering the growth of Lithuanian businesses and opening doors to the world's largest market". The award was presented to Ingrida by the President of the Republic of Lithuania Gitanas Nauseda.
Ingrida Bublys receiving the award from President Gitanas Nauseda
Rest in Peace Romas Bublys
From Honorary Lithuanian Consul Ingrida Bublys:
"With a heavy heart, we announce the passing of Romas Bublys, dearest husband and father. He died peacefully, with family at his side, on Friday, October 20th. Words cannot express how much Romas will be missed. Join us in prayer and celebration of an incredible husband, father, and friend.
A funeral mass for Romas Bublys will be held on Monday, October 30th, at 6:00 p.m. at The Church of the Gesu, 2470 Miramar Blvd., University Heights. Following the service, a celebration of life will take place at the Gesu Hall.
Thank you for your prayers and support, Ingrida and family
Romas and Ingrida Bublys
Lithuanian community at 2023 One World Day
The Lithuanian Cultural Garden was very busy on One World Day in the Cleveland Cultural Gardens. One World Day has been the official event of the Cleveland Cultural Gardens Federation since 1946. Over 50,000 people visited the gardens on One World Day 2023. The Lithuanian Garden participated in the Parade of Flags which had 1500 people from over 53 countries.
Lithuanian Cultural Garden in Parade of Flags
After the Parade of Flags they welcomed visitors to their Garden.
Cleveland Švyturys hosted its fourth Juventus Folk Dance Festival in Cleveland, OH on Saturday June 17, 2023. Over 200 performers came from Lithuania, Sweden, Argentina, Toronto, Chicago and Cleveland.
2023 Juventus
See videos of all the performances and lots of photos.
Lithuanian Independence Day Event - February 19, 2023
As World War I ended, Lithuania's Act of Independence was signed on February 16, 1918, founding the modern Republic of Lithuania. On March 11, 1990, a year before the formal dissolution of the Soviet Union, Lithuania passed the Act of the Re-Establishment of the State of Lithuania, becoming the first Soviet republic to break away when it proclaimed the restoration of its independence.
Flag of Lithuania flying at Cleveland City Hall
The Lithuanian community of Cleveland Ohio USA gathered at their Lithuanian Club on February 19, 2023 to celebrate independence.
This included remarks from Arvydas Urbonavicius, President of the Lithuanian American Community National.
Simona Smirnova in Concert at the Lithuanian American Club
After speeches to honor Lithuania's Independence there was an amazing concert from Simona Smirnova who is a Lithuanian born jazz vocalist, composer and kankles player based in New York City.
Kankles is a Lithuanian plucked string instrument (chordophone) belonging to the Baltic box zither family.
The Cleveland Lithuanian community demonstrated their heritage at One World Day in the Cleveland Cultural Gardens. One World Day has been the official event of the Cleveland Cultural Gardens Federation since 1946. Over 40,000 people visited the gardens on One World Day 2022.
The Lithuanian community participated in the Parade of Flags and hosted people in their Garden.
Zydrunas Ilgauskas is a Lithuanian-born former professional basketball player who played center for the Cleveland Cavaliers from 1997 to 2010. He stopped in at the Lithuanian Club on Super Bowl Sunday to pick up some delicious cepelinai and other Lithuanian food.
At 7'3" Zydrunas Ilgauskas is just a little taller than Marie Stephens here at the Lith Club
2021
Lithuanian Consul visits President Smetona grave in Cleveland for All Souls Day
General Consul of the Republic of Lithuania from Chicago Sigrida Muleviciene visited Cleveland just before All Souls Day 2021 to pay her respects at the grave of Antanas Smetona who was the first president of the Republic of Lithuania. Honorary Consul Ingrida Bublys hosted the visit which included Counsellor of Economic Affairs Vidmantas Verbickas.
Ingrida Bublys presents proclamations from Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson to Consul Sigrida Muleviciene and Counsellor Vidmantas Verbickas
President Smetona lived several years in Cleveland with his family. When he passed away his funeral was held at the Cathedral of St, John the Evangelist downtown with a Bishop presiding. He was buried at Calvary Cemetery and later moved to the present location at All Souls Cemetery in Chardon.
In this video, Consul Muleviciene told Dan Hanson how important All Souls Day is in Lithuania. She also spoke of the passion of the people of Lithuanian heritage she has met in places like Chicago, Cleveland, Texas, Michigan, California, New York, Florida and other places.
Along with morning business meetings, the group had lunch at Lith Klubas.
Group at the Lithuanian Club on 185th Street before the Cemetery visit
Visitng the Lithuanian Cultural Garden
Lithuanian Cultural Garden on One World Day 2021
Cleveland's Lithuanian community was well-represented at the 75th One World Day in the Cleveland Cultural Gardens on August 29, 2021. They marched in the Parade of Flags and hosted visitors on both levels of their beautiful Lithuanian Cultural Garden.
Lithuanian community members gathered at Wildwood Park by the Cleveland sign to celebrate Statehood Day of Lithuania, also known as the day of the coronation of King Mindaugas, the first King of Lithuania. On this day, July 6, Cleveland Lithuanians joined Lithuanians all over the world to sing the national anthem.
Lithuanians in Cleveland celebrate Statehood Day
Lithuanian American Community in Cleveland by Dr. Viktoras Stankus
A few highlights of the role of Cleveland Lithuanians in the development and growth of the Lithuanian American Community
By Dr. Viktoras Stankus, LAC Cleveland Chapter VP of lnformation.
At the Republican National Covention in Cleveland, July 18-21, 2016. Briefing to Ohio Delegation by US Senate Majority leader Mitch McConnell : LAC representative Dr. Viktoras Stankus; Senator McConnell- "Yes, NATO is important for the safety of the USA and Lithuania;" Lithuanian Honorary Consul Ingrida Bublys.
Independence celebrated in Lithuanian Cultural Garden
Members of the Lithuanian community in Cleveland Ohio gathered in the Lithuanian Cultural Garden to celebrate The Act of Reinstating Independence of Lithuania or Act of 16 February which was signed by the Council of Lithuania on 16 February 1918, proclaiming the restoration of an independent State of Lithuania, governed by democratic principles, with Vilnius as its capital.
Gathering by the bust of Jonas Basanavicius in the Lithuanian Cultural Garden
Because of the pandemic only a few officers were allowed to attend this brief outdoor ceremony led by President Algis Gudenas and including Honorary Consul General Ingrida Bublys and Cleveland Councilman Mike Polensek.
Honorary Lithuanian Consul General Ingrida Bublys shares some Lithuanian traditions in this article with a focus on Christmas Eve (Kucios) which might be more important day than Christmas Day. It is a special Christmas Eve meal when family members gather together.
Kuciukai before being soaked in the poppy seed milk
The Cleveland Cultural Gardens are maintaiined by delegates of the Cleveland Cultural Gardens Federation who are volunteers from the community. That includes the Lithuanian Cultural Garden. Here are some of the volunteers cleaning up and planting on May 23, 2020.
Lithuanian Cultural Garden volunteer workers
30th anniversary of Restoration of Independence
Members of the Lithuanian Cultural Garden together with the Lithuanian American Community celebrated Lithuania's 30th anniversary of the Restoration of Independence from the Soviet Union. They gathered on March 11, 2020 at the Lithuanian Cultural Garden near the Pillars of Gediminas in front of the bust of Jonas Basanavicius and placed flowers and lit candles to commemorate the event.
Photo courtesy of Rita Matas
2019
Lithuanian Garden at One World Day
The Cleveland Cultural Gardens Federation hosted the 74th annual One World Day on August 25, 2019. Police estimates say that over 30,000 people visited the Gardens and attended One World Day. There was a lot of activity in the beautiful and historic Lithuanian Cultural Garden.
A highlight of One World Day is the Parade of Flags where people in costumes of their heritage carry the flags. This year was undoubtedly the largest and most colorful in memory. It was extra special because all Parade participants joined hands as a commemoration of the Baltic Way 30 years earlier. The Estonian, Latvian and Lithuanian units led the Parade after the Baltic Way remembrance.
Honorary Consul of Lithuania Ingrida Bublys was joined on stage by Honorary Consul of Estonia Mary Nippert to describe the Baltic Way that took place 30 years earlier in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania.
TV news anchor Chris Tanaka, Honorary Consul of Lithuania Ingrida Bublys and Honorary Consul of Estonia Mary Nippert
The marchers in the Parade of Flags at One World Day, led by delegations from the Baltic countries, commemorated this historic event by forming their own human chain joining hands along Martin Luther King Blvd. in Cleveland.
Baltic Way remembered in Cleveland on One World Day
Watch the video and see more pictures of the Cleveland remembrance of the Baltic Way.
The large Lithuanian contingent then continued marching in the historic Parade of Flags.
The Baltic Way rememberance on One World Day was previewed on TV and featured someone who took part in the joining of hands 30 years ago.
Ingrida Bublys inducted into Cleveland International Hall of Fame
Ingrida Bublys is the Honorary General Consul of the Republic of Lithuania for the states of Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky for the past 22 years promoting friendly relations between Lithuania and United States. She has established good relations with city and state officials, educational institutions and US corporations.
On April 16, 2019 Ingrida Bublys was inducted into the Cleveland International Hall of Fame by Alex Machaskee (Former Plain Dealer Publisher).
Alex Machaskee inducts Ingrida Bublys
Ingrida Bublys gives her acceptance speech
Watch the video of Ingrida Bublys being inducted and her speech.
Lithuanian Honorary General Consul Ingrida Bublys honored at 100th Anniversary Gala
On December 1, 2018 members and friends of the Lithuanian community gathered for a gala dinner and evening to commemorate the conclusion of the year long celebration to our beloved Lithuania's 100th anniversary as a free and independent Republic. They also honored Lithuanian Honorary General Consul Ingrida Bublys, who was selected, in Lithuania, as one of the 100 International Lithuanian women recognized on the occasion of Lithuania's centennial. She is a longtime colleague and active member of the Lithuanian community.
Linas Johansonas was a cornerstone figure in Cleveland's Music and Lithuanian communities, affectionately known in the music industry as "Johan". He was an activist in Cleveland's Lithuanian community, and became a prominently known name in Lithuania itself, through his presentations on the internet on behalf of Lithuania, its history, its culture, always defending its good name.
He accomplished this as Editor in Chief of http://lithuaniannews.net/ (with some 22,000 "likes"); as a member of Vilnius Forum, and of course on Facebook and Twitter. He was an "elf" with like - minded "elves" (numbering some 1,000 the Kremlin complained ) consistently countering on cyberspace Putin's "trolls' " spewing of "fake news" negative, malicious, destructive propaganda against Lithuania. He was a Trustee of the Cleveland Lithuanian Culture Documentation Center and Archives.
Linas inherited a patriotic family tradition of resisting the oppression of anti-democratic forces: his paternal grandfather was a colonel in Estonia's army that won against the Bolsheviks and established an independent Estonia in 1918; his father Henrikas was a WW II Lithuanian partisan, 17 yrs. old at the time; Linas' grandfather defied the Nazis by hiding and saving Jews. His dad Henrikas played with the Lithuanian music "Ciurlionis Ensemble's" basketball team beating the French team in the French zone of Allied occupied Germany.
Linas Johansonas
"The Kid from Cleveland" was born 8-21-1959 from the marriage of his patriotic Lithuanian parents, Henrikas and Irena, a Lithuanian immigrant from Australia. When Linas was only 14 years old, a blond blue-eyed Viking already nearly six feet tall, he was our Cleveland Lithuanian community's "secret weapon" to popularize the Lithuanian cause. The American press could not get enough of him, especially when Linas declared at Cleveland's Public Square, "I am on a hunger strike here, and will continue until the Soviets leave Lithuania". The media was captivated, and Linas' effort on behalf of Lithuania resounded far and wide.
We in the Lithuanian community almost felt guilty for harnessing this young teenager of a patriotic Lithuanian family so early for the Lithuanian cause, but Linas forged ahead, never looking back. He would do all to popularize the right of his ancestral land to be free of the Kremlin.
The Beatles' song "Back in the USSR", mocking the Soviet Union, implanted itself on the psyche of young Linas growing up in Cleveland, the city that built "Rock", coined the term Rock & Roll by describing the local white youth that were buying (like nowhere else) and rocking to the beat of "race" music, the term for black inspired music at the time. Cleveland radio stations popularized the music throughout the USA, early rock groups took hold here, the first Rock Concert in the world was held here, and eventually the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame & Museum was established here, the Beatles early in their career performed at Cleveland Public Auditorium's Music Hall. Rock's rebellious stance, mocking even the USSR, and Linas' family's patriotic traditions fused as a mission for Linas: music and resistance. These twin passions for music and Lithuania set him on course lifelong.
Ruta Degutis, Linas Johansonas and Ingrida Bublys - Christmas 2017
Linas was manning a Lithuanian cub scout booth at St. Casimir's Day Fair in Cleveland in the early 70's, when Lithuanian republican activist Grace Kudukis presented Linas to her friend the legendary Cleveland Plain Dealer music writer Jane Scott . "Jane, I'd like to introduce you to our Lithuanian community expert on "rock&roll". Jane was the darling of the Beatles and Rolling Stones whom she interviewed in Cleveland and elsewhere, she was the first woman reporter that covered the "rock" beat, but she loved Lithuanian culture.
Linas and Jane quickly bonded. And Linas got his start in radio interning with Mud on radio M105 as a character called Noodle. While a student at Cleveland State University in the late 70's, he did a show called Wave Length on CSU radio station WKS. - and Scott wrote a story on him. Linas worked such connections to further his work in promoting rock music, and he then worked with marketing director Christy Smoak for the Urban Cowboy in Akron and Painesville.
Shortly he became an assistant at The Agora, the famed rock roll venue club hosting rock bands. His first show was the 1981 sold- out show performed by the "Plasmatics". When the Agora moved to its current location at 50th and Euclid Ave. (a former 1912 era opera house with two magnificent stages) in the late 80's, he became the club's promotion and marketing director, effectively the manager .Outgoing, and with an unquenchable desire and taste to be in the know, he enthusiastically supported the local and national rock music scene. Maintained contact with Cleveland radio Rock station MMS, nationally the most prominent rock station at the time. In the History of Rock it is mentioned that when Linas went to visit his ancestral rural homestead in Lithuania, he encountered a local youth proudly wearing a WMMS tee shirt. What are the odds?
Linas Johansonas explaining the entrees at the Lithuanian Club
The Agora was famed for starting its chain of Rock and Roll clubs (real clubs not Hard Rock Cafe type) stretching from Dallas to New York, it broadcast its recorded and concert music through its own radio station to the nation. Bruce Springsteen gained national recognition when "Bruce Springsteen at the Agora" concert was recorded and Meatloaf's "Bat out Of Hell" recorded here is considered the 3rd best selling rock album. And Linas was hands on, greeting nationally famous rock stars arriving in Cleveland and escorting them about town. David Bowie's first concert in America was in Cleveland.
He returned to radio, his first love, in the mid 90's when 107.9 became an alternative rock station WENZ the End. There he co-hosted Inner Sanctum, enthusiastically promoting local artists and even weaving in some political commentary. Linas represented the Lithuanian Consulate in Cleveland at nationality conferences, and also sent photographs and news items to the Lithuanian newspaper Draugas editor Danute Bindokiene.
But love was in the air, and in the early 2000's he met and married a beautiful Lithuanian girl, Milda, who ran Milda's Corner Market Lithuanian Food Shop in Union Pier, Michigan. His best man was Scott Hanson, a guitar player and musician, and owner of the highly rated Scotti's Italian eatery, across the street from our own famous Lithuanian Club on E. 185th St.; where in the studio above the restaurant Linas would help Scotti make recordings for local bands.
Linas helped Milda run Milda's, but the cause of freedom burned, and he led a campaign to convince the US Congress to allow a Kurdish leader to stay in the USA and not be sent back to Turkey where he might be executed. He also was a guest political commentator on a local radio show.
After the dissolution of his marriage and his move back to Cleveland in 2014, Linas strenuously picked up the cause of promoting Lithuania and defending Lithuania on the internet. He operated Lt News, was a member of Vilnius Forum, vigorously and consistently countered the anti-Lithuanian campaign of Putin's "trolls', responding on LT news, Facebook or twitter. It took a toll on his health. And yet he made time to meet with the Washington DC based Holocaust Museum's (UHMMS) representative Ina Navazelskis during her Holocaust presentation in Cleveland. He dutifully reported on the internet about US Senator Rob Portman's important Round Table discussion to the nationalities at the Lithuanian Community Center/Club about the crisis in Ukraine, and the ongoing threat from the Kremlin to Lithuania.
In December 17, 2017 author Vanadate spoke in Cleveland about Lithuanian partisan Ramanauskas. Linas said to me, " Vik, we have to be there, I, as Lt News reporter, you as the historian, trustee of our Cleveland Lithuanian Culture Documentation Center and Archives ". We then put together information to counter the inaccuracies about Ramanauskas that Linas placed prominently on Facebook. There was mainly positive reaction, but the few negative were extreme. But Linas said, Vik, do the research, if we do not counter, then it becomes fact. I realized, what extreme tension Linas was under constantly, and it was this tension that stopped his brave heart on May 23, 2018. He was only 58.
Vik Stankus, Ingrida Bublys, Linas Johansonas and Ruta Degutis
Cleveland's Lithuanian and musical communities were profoundly devastated, shocked, grieving the loss of such a bigger than life personality as their dear Linas Johansonas. Ruta Degutis, president of the Cleveland Lithuanian Community Center/Club arranged a moving memorial, an "atsisveikinimas' to sadly note the loss, but to also celebrate Linas: his achievements, his dedication and legacy. Cool Cleveland, hosted "A Tribute to Linas Johansonas ' on the internet, remembering his contribution to Cleveland's Lithuanian and music communities. His friend and best man at his wedding Scott, "Scotti", Hanson hosted and organized the music industry's tribute to Linas at the Beach land Ballroom ( among the 10 best eclectic music venues in the world) not far from the Lithuanian Club. Scotti and other musicians played Linas' favorite music with their guitars. Mike Belkin, the famous booker of rock star concerts who brought them from all over the world to Cleveland attended to honor his compatriot. Watch the Tribute to Linas
But Linas' exhortation to follow his lead to defend Lithuania lives on. We miss him, but remember his gregarious, winning smile, to stay the course.
Dr. Viktoras Stankus
Lithuanian Community at International Cleveland Community Day 2018
International Cleveland Community Day at the Cleveland Museum of Art is a celebration of the rich diversity of our region’s multiethnic communities, featuring traditional music and dance performances, cultural displays, and ingallery experiences. During this vibrant afternoon, visitors enjoyed presentations from more than 50 community groups expressing the continued vitality of the global cultures and arts that enliven our city.
The Lithuanian community was represented with a banner and information table.
Lithuania banner at Cleveland Museum of Art
Gidone Stephens, Salomeja Sukys and Rita Matas representing Lithuania
Lithuanian Cultural Garden on One World Day 2018
The Cleveland Lithuanian community was out in full force at the 73rd annual One World Day on the site of the Lithuanian Cultural Garden. Over 100 members of the Lithuanian community marched in the annual Parade of Flags and later there was more fun as members of the Lithuanian community shared their culture with thousands of visitors on One World Day.
The Cleveland Lithuanian community is an active and passionate group with a great history.
On February 16, 2018, Lithuanians all over the world celebrated the birth of a new Lithuania. This date is like a bridge between the old Lithuania born on July 6, 1253 and the new independent Lithuania restored on March 11, 1990. Had it not been for February 16, there would have been no events of 11 of March, nor the subsequent success story.
The Centennial of the new Lithuania is a success story. The main achievements are as follows: Lithuania has become a player of the European and world history, with its modern civil society aware of the importance of freedom and the responsibility that goes with it, and with new emerging vistas for action for the Lithuanian state and its people.
On February 17, 2018 members and friends of the Lithuanian communities of Cleveland, Toronto, Montreal and more gathered for a beautiful and meaningful ceremony at Cleveland State University.
The Lithuanian-American Citizens Club aka the Lithuanian Club opened in 1920 at E. 67th and Superior Ave. in Cleveland, Ohio. In 1970, fire destroyed the Lithuanian Club and it reopened in 1972 at the newly built Lithuanian Community Center on E. 185 St., where it is located today. Lithuanian Community Center not only is home to the Lithuanian Club, but also includes the Gintaras Dining Room, the Amber Ballroom and the Cleveland Lithuanian Archive Center.
Thank You Lithuanian Community of Cleveland for your support of the Lithuanian section of ClevelandPeople.com
Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania in Polish Constitution Day Parade
The Baltic States of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania were well represented in the 2018 Polish Constitution Day Parade in Parma.
Baltic Nations at Polish Constitution Day Parade in Parma
Ingrida Bublys carries the Lithuanian flag
Senator Rob Portman and American Nationalities Movement at Lithuanian Community Center in Cleveland
US Senator Rob Portman joined the American Nationalities Movement of Ohio at the Lithuanian Community Center in Cleveland to discuss a variety of foreign policy topics, including how he, as co-founder and co-chair of the Senate Ukraine Caucus, will continue to work to bring attention to Russia’s actions and provide support for our Eastern European allies.
US Senator Rob Portman with nationality leaders at Lithuanian Center in Cleveland
Rotary Club of Cleveland 2018 International Fellowship Day Honors Ingrida Bublys
The Rotary Club of Cleveland hosted their annual International Fellowship Day in Cleveland Ohio on March 15, 2018. The event featured the presentation of the International Service Award to Ingrida Bublys, Honorary Consul General Republic of Lithuania.
Congratulations Ingrida Bublys
Valarie J. McCall, the Chief of Government & International Affairs of the City of Cleveland, gave the keynote address.
Lithuania's 100th anniversary celebration of Independence
On February 16, 2018, Lithuanians all over the world celebrated the birth of a new Lithuania. This date is like a bridge between the old Lithuania born on July 6, 1253 and the new independent Lithuania restored on March 11, 1990. Had it not been for February 16, there would have been no events of 11 of March, nor the subsequent success story.
The Centennial of the new Lithuania is a success story. The main achievements are as follows: Lithuania has become a player of the European and world history, with its modern civil society aware of the importance of freedom and the responsibility that goes with it, and with new emerging vistas for action for the Lithuanian state and its people.
On February 17, 2018 members and friends of the Lithuanian communities of Cleveland, Toronto, Montreal and more gathered for a beautiful and meaningful ceremony at Cleveland State University.
5 pages of coverage with videos of the entire ceremony and hundreds of photos are as follows:
Grand Finale of Lithuania's 100th anniversary celebration of Independence in Cleveland
Ceremony of Declaration of Restoration of Lithuania's Independence at resting place of President Smetona
On February 10, 2018 members of the Lithuanian community gathered for a beautiful and meaningful ceremony at All Souls Mausoleum honoring the Declaration of Restoration of Lithuania's Independence, and its signatories.
Among the signers was President Antanas Smetona, who in 1919 became the first president of Lithuania and later returned to power as an authoritarian head of state for the last 13 years of his country’s independence. President Smetona died January 9, 1944 in Cleveland and is interned at All Souls with 6 other members of the Smetona family.
Paying respect to the signers. Eugene Dicevicius, Dr. Vik Stankus, Ruta Degtutis, officers of the Cleveland Lithuanian Community and scouts
Fashions from Lithuania at Cleveland multicultural party
A highlight of the 8th Annual ICC-WIN Cleveland Multicultural Holiday Celebration on Wednesday, December 6, 2017 at the Global Center for Health Innovation in Cleveland was the International Fashion Show featuring almost 100 models from about 30 countries.
Kristina Vidžiunaite, Kristoforas Ciurlionis, Audrele Bielinyte, Martins Krebs, Gabriele Baltrunaite and Aras Stungys represented Lithuania.
Men's and women's Lithuanian folk costumes use a variety of colors, designs, textures, and patterns. Aprons embroidered with geometric designs cover long plaid skirts. Hats trimmed with ribbon and vests are also typical elements to Lithuanian traditional costumes. The men's clothing, while understated, is decorated with woven sashes and boots.
Vests are typical accessories for both male and female Lithuanian traditional costumes. Women's vests are often fitted with a ruffle at the waist. The shirts are worn over long-sleeved blouses with collared necks. The pillbox hat, which is often richly decorated and may be finished with long ribbons that trail down the back, is common to Lithuanian traditional dress.
Tracing Your Family's Path from a Displaced Persons Camp
The U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C., has created a searchable database of information on the Displaced Persons Camps and the people who passed through them. Earlier this year, the Holocaust Museum partnered with the Ukrainian Museum-Archives in Cleveland to digitize the UMA's extensive collection of DP Camp periodicals produced by Ukrainian refugees from 1945-51. Working with Kyiv-based Archival Data Systems, researchers have scanned more than 75,000 documents archived at the Tremont museum, creating a resource that scholars and others will now be able to access.
Officials from the Holocaust Museum unveiled the new resource and its search tools at a special presentation in Cleveland, a city that resettled thousands of displaced persons. "Solving the Mystery: Tracing Your Family's Path from a Displaced Persons Camp," was presented at the Slovenian National Home.
International Cleveland Community Day at the Cleveland Museum of Art
Since the opening of the Atrium at the Cleveland Museum of Art, the CMA has hosted International Cleveland Community Day. It's a free festival featuring more than 50 groups and organizations that present their rich diversity through music, dance, and cultural displays. The Lithuanian community was represented.
Sisters Ieva Dudaite and Mariya Dudaite from Lithuania
John Carroll University served as host of the 2017 WUJA (World Union of Jesuit Alumni) Congress. This was the first WUJA Congress in North America and attracted 550 attendees from 30 countries. At the opening event of the conference, sisters Ieva Dudaite and Mariya Dudaite from Lithuania performed.
Ieva and Mariya Dudaite perform at WUJA event at John Carroll University in Cleveland
Juventus is a celebration of youth, dance tradition and Lithuanian cultural preservation. The third Lithuanian Folk Dance festival Juventus was hosted by the Lithuanian Folk Dance Group Svyturys and held in the Cleveland Ohio suburb of Euclid.
Stay informed about the local Lithuanian community by signing up for the free Lithuanian eNews mailings. You can select other specific groups as well. It's easy and free. Fill out the form for the free Lithuanian eNews.
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2016
Lithuanians at Cleveland Multicultural Event
The Cleveland Lithuanian Community was represented at the 7th annual International Community Council - Worldwide Intercultural Network (ICC-WIN) holiday party on December 14, 2016.
120 people participated in the fashion show and each walked the runway to music from their country. Click on the white arrow to watch the short video of the Lithuanian models, Rene Kizys, Gabriele Baltrunaite, Madeline Kaunas, Edita Kuizaitiene and Ruta Degutis.
Lithuanian models
Guests enjoyed delicious Lithuanian food from Gintaras
The Lithuanian Cultural Garden is one of the 29 and counting nationality gardens in the Cleveland Cultural Gardens. It was dedicated on October 11, 1936 so the 80th anniversary of the Lithuanian Cultural Garden was celebrated on Sunday September 18, 2016.
Members of the Lithuanian community and dignitaries such as US Senator Rob Portman spoke and the Exultate Choir performed Lithuanian songs.
The Lithuanian Cultural Garden and Lithuanian community participated in the 71st One World Day on August 28, 2016. They began with the Parade of Flags.
Lithuanian Garden in Parade of Flags
Throughout the day members of the Lithuanian community of Cleveland hosted hundreds of visitors in the Lithuanian Cultural Garden and shared Lithuanian culture.
Baltic Communities remember Senator George Voinovich
Erika Puussaar, a Director of the Cleveland Cultural Gardens Federation and delegate to the Estonian Garden, told how grateful the people of the Baltic States of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania were to Senator George Voinovich for his work to get the Baltics into NATO.
Lithuanian Ambassador Ginte Damusyte-Damusis in Cleveland
The Lithuanian community of Cleveland celebrated the 98th anniversary of Independence at the Lithuanian Club. The special guest and keynote speaker for the weekend was Ambassador Ginte Damusyte-Damusis.
Ambassador Ginte Damusyte-Damusis
She spoke about Independence, NATO, energy, the diaspora, Soviets, Russia and more
The ClevelandPeople.Com Passport Adventurers travelled to Lithuania via the Cleveland Lithuanian Club.
They learned about Lithuanian history, language, music, culture and, of course, food. They listened to Virginija Juodisius-Rubinski play traditional Lithuanian songs played on the kankles which is a Lithuanian plucked string musical instrument of the zither family.
The entrees included Cepelinai, the national dish of Lithuanian along with Kugelis (potato pudding), Vedarai (potato sausage) and a more familiar sausage and sauerkraut.
The Lithuanian Club in Cleveland was started in 1920 at East 67th and Superior where St George Church was founded. It has moved a few times and now is on East 185th Street in Cleveland.
Lithuanian Club President Ruta Degutis gave a history of the club. Watch the short video and see photos of the Lithuanian Club in Cleveland.
Baking a šakotis (Lithuanian tree cake) or Baumkuchen
The ClevelandPeople.Com Passport Adventurers travelled to Lithuania via the Cleveland Lithuanian Club. They not only sampled the famous Lithuanian tree cake in their meal but got to see one being made the traditional way by baker Dainius Zalensas of the Lithuanian Club Bakery.
The ClevelandPeople.Com Passport Adventurers travelled to Lithuania via the Cleveland Lithuanian Club. They learned about the Hill of Crosses which is a site of pilgrimage about 12 km north of the city of Šiauliai, in northern Lithuania. Estimates put the number of crosses at over 100,000.
Hill of Crosses in Lithuania By Pudelek (Marcin Szala) - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=17124232
Following the country's annexation by the Soviet Union during the war, Lithuanian players frequently formed the core of the Soviet national team? The most prevalent example was the 1988 Olympic basketball gold medal-winning team which got most of its scoring from four Lithuanians: Valdemaras Chomicius, Rimas Kurtinaitis, Šarunas Marciulionis and Arvydas Sabonis.
Dan Hanson tells the story of the 1992 Olympics where the Lithuanian team, clad in Greatful Dead jerseys, beat the Russian team and won the Bronze Medal in Barcelona.
Arvydas Sabonis playing the 1988 Olympic semifinal against the United States
The ClevelandPeople.Com Passport Adventurers travelled to Lithuania via the Cleveland Lithuanian Club. They learned about Jadwiga (St Hedwig) who reigned as the first female monarch of the Kingdom of Poland from 1384 untill her death. Her marriage to Wladyslaw-Jogaila enabled the union of Poland and Lithuania, establishing a large state in East Central Europe.
After becoming widowed, Eve Bates earned an Associate of Arts degree at age seventy-five. College teachers told her she had a flare for writing. Her first book was Sudiev! Goodbye!: Joys and Hardships of a Lithuanian Immigrant Girl, a family saga published in 1978 which is now in the permanent collection at the Statue of Liberty Library on Ellis Island, NYC. Complementing Bates second book, My Speckled Tales and Other Dimensions, her third, More Speckled Tales, recounts additional colorful, fantastic stories.
2015
Traditional Lithuanian Clothing
A highlight of the 6th annual Holiday Celebration of Cleveland's Diversity held in the atrium of the Global Center for Health Innovation in the Cleveland Convention Center by the International Community Council-Worldwide Intercultural Network (ICC-WIN) was the multicultural fashion show.
Models: sisters Rita Kizys and Rene Kizys
These are two Lithuanian folk dance costumes based in design from the northern region of Lithuania. They were woven by a seamstress in Panevezys, Lithuania whom also sews modern bridal and ball gowns. Although both of these were woven in 2013, they have been made the same way that traditional dance costumes have been made for the past century. The costumes consist of a crown, blouse, vest, slip, skirt, apron, and juosta (yo-stah) which is a Lithuanian woven sash. Intricately woven fabric is one of the biggest parts of Lithuanian culture. The colors are vibrant to represent nature and stand out at dance performances, festivals, and celebrations.
Lithuania‘s Foreign Minister Linas Linkevicius' First Visit to Cleveland
The Republic of Lithuania's foreign minister Linas Linkevicius arrived in Cleveland from Lithuania on Sept. 25, 2015. It was the Minister's first visit to Cleveland, home of a vibrant Lithuanian community.
The Minister was met at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport by City of Cleveland representatives and the Lithuanian Ambassador from Washington to the USA Rolandas Krisciunas, the Honorary General Consul of Lithuania in Cleveland Ingrida Bublys as well as representatives of the Lithuanian Community.
Consul General of the Republic of Lithuania in Chicago Marijus Gudynas, Lyra Puisyte-Bostroem, Honorary Consul Ingrida Bublys, Republic of Lithuania Foreign Minister Linas Linkevicius, Dr. Vik Stankus and Ambassador Rolandas Krišciunas outside St Casimir Church.
The Lithuanian Community participated in the 70th annual One World Day in the Cleveland Cultural Gardens both in their garden and in the Parade of Flags.
Senator Portman Meets with Cleveland Eastern European Communities
U.S. Senator Rob Portman (R-Ohio) traveled to Ukraine to meet with Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko, as well as other government officials. Portman has repeatedly called for increased U.S. military assistance to Ukraine as they continue to face Russian aggression.
Senator Portman and Cleveland Eastern European leaders
Portman also traveled to Latvia to meet with Latvian officials, U.S. troops and discuss the importance of the U.S.-Latvia relationship. Prior to his trip, Portman met with Latvian Ambassador Andris Razans to discuss recent developments in U.S.-Latvian relations.
On Friday, April 17, 2015 Senator Portman, co-chair of the Senate Ukraine Caucus, met with members of Eastern European communities in Cleveland to discuss his recent visit to Ukraine and Latvia.
A wonderful program of traditional Lithuanian music and dance was held at the St. Casimir Parish Hall in Cleveland Ohio. Introductions were both in Lithuanian and English and the performers wore traditional Lithuanian costumes.
Grandis Lithuanian Dance Group came in from Chicago to joing the local performers. Lots of videos and photos from the event.
Relationship between Lithuania and Poland
Dr. Vik Stankus told about the relationship between Lithuania and Poland at a celebration of Polish Constitution Day at the Cleveland Museum of Art. Dr. Stankus told of the 500 years the two nations had been allies and how Lithuania took in 60,000 Polish officers and soldiers during World War II and refused to assist the Nazis. The event featured an unveiling of a statue of Tadeusz (Thaddeus) Kosciuszko who was a hero of Poland, Belarus, Lithuania and the United States and fought in the Polish uprising against Russia and the American Revolution.
Later in the program, Ben Stefanski introduced Dr. Vik Stankus of the Ohio Lithuanian community and then told of the close relationship between Poland, Lithuania and Hungary.
Lithuanian Community at Opening of Ames Family Atrium Cleveland Museum of Art October 28, 2012
The Cleveland Lithuanian community was represented at the grand opening of the Ames Family Atrium in the Cleveland Museum of Art on Sunday October 28, 2012.
Dr. Stasys Tumenas, Dr. Vidas Lauruska, Mrs Regina Lauruskiene, Ingrida Bublys, Lestor A. Lefton, Dr. Viktoras Stankus, honorary British Consul Sandra Morgan and Dr. Timothy Moerland
Organizations and Resources for Lithuanians in Cleveland
The Lithuanian Consulate has opened its new office in Willoughby. The Lithuanian Consulate serves Lithuanians in Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky.
On August 19, 2010 the Honorary General Consul of the Republic of Lithuania, Ingrida Bublys, met with the Mayor of Willoughby, David E. Anderson. At that occasion she shared information about Lithuania as well as the duties of the consulate. The Mayor was presented a book about Lithuania,”Millennium of Lithuania.”
Willoughby Mayor David E. Anderson and Honorary General Consul of the Republic of Lithuania Ingrida Bublys
Tell us about the music, food, holidays, traditions, costumes, language and other qualities that make Lithuanians so special.
Vincas Kudirka bust in Lithuanian Cultural Garden
Lithuanian lands were united under Mindaugas in 1236; over the next century, through alliances and conquest, Lithuania extended its territory to include most of present-day Belarus and Ukraine. By the end of the 14th century Lithuania was the largest state in Europe.
An alliance with Poland in 1386 led the two countries into a union through the person of a common ruler. In 1569, Lithuania and Poland formally united into a single dual state, the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. This entity survived until 1795, when its remnants were partitioned by surrounding countries.
Lithuania regained its independence following World War I but was annexed by the USSR in 1940 - an action never recognized by the US and many other countries. On 11 March 1990, Lithuania became the first of the Soviet republics to declare its independence, but Moscow did not recognize this proclamation until September of 1991 (following the abortive coup in Moscow).
The last Russian troops withdrew in 1993. Lithuania subsequently restructured its economy for integration into Western European institutions; it joined both NATO and the EU in the spring of 2004.
Read more about the Lithuanian and other Ambassadors. If you are interested in being considered to be an official ClevelandPeople.com Ambassador to the Cleveland Lithuanian community, please contact us.
