Day of the Book Smugglers(Lithuania)
An annual Lithuanian observance honoring those who smuggled banned books to preserve the Lithuanian language and culture during the Russian Empire's press ban.
Day of the Book Smugglers, celebrated on March 16 in Lithuania, commemorates the courageous efforts of book carriers who defied the 19th-century Russian press ban to distribute Lithuanian-language literature. Facing fines, imprisonment, or exile, these individuals risked everything to keep their native tongue and national identity alive. The observance includes book fairs, readings of banned works, and exhibitions highlighting smuggling routes. Cultural organizations host lectures and performances that explore the role of literature in resistance movements. Through this day, modern Lithuanians honor the resilience of their forebears and reaffirm the power of the written word in shaping national identity.
Day of the Book Smugglers
Lithuania