March 16

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.

Observed on March 16, the Remembrance Day of the Latvian Legionnaires honors the men who served in the Latvian Legion units during World War II. Established to pay tribute to those who faced complex wartime circumstances, it includes memorial ceremonies, wreath-laying at monuments, and church services. The day invites reflection on Latvia's struggle for freedom under occupation and the difficult choices of the past. While solemn in tone, it also fosters dialogue on historical memory and reconciliation. Participants gather at cemeteries and battlefields to acknowledge sacrifice and promote understanding.