Virtual exhibition “Australian Lithuanians. Part 3”
In commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the Lithuanian community in Australia, Lithuanian Central State Archives, together with the Australian Lithuanian Archives, invite you to reflect on the history of the settlement and establishment of Australian Lithuanians on the old continent. Also, we are continuing this ten-part virtual exhibition dedicated to Australian Lithuanians, which will be open throughout 2025. This part of the exhibition is dedicated to the Australian Lithuanian Days.
The Australian Lithuanian Days have been and continue to be a significant event in the life of the Australian Lithuanian community. The largest celebration of the Lithuanian community is held during the congresses of the Australian Lithuanian Community (ALC) National Council. This festival brings together Lithuanians from across Australia and abroad, aiming to foster Lithuanian identity, language, culture, and art, while strengthening a sense of community. The cultural program features choirs, folk dance groups, art exhibitions, literary evenings, and sports competitions.
Australian Lithuanian Days are not only a cultural but also a historical event, often described as a kind of “retreat,” helping to preserve Lithuanian traditions and identity far from the homeland. It requires extensive preparation, rehearsals, and the involvement of many performers. Perhaps the most important achievement of the Lithuanian Days is their ability to unite the youth. All Australian Lithuanians understand and appreciate the positive significance of these Days and prepare for them throughout the year, dedicating time and resources without hesitation.
The first Australian Lithuanian Days were organized in 1960 in Sydney. Afterwards, they were regularly held in one of three cities – Adelaide, Melbourne, or Sydney. In 1982, during the ALC National Council Congress, this tradition was changed. Upon the request of the Canberra community, it was entrusted with organizing the 1984 Lithuanian Days in Canberra. Later, the event was also held in Geelong.
Bronius Straukas, in his book Chronicle of Australian Lithuanians, Part II, wrote about the Lithuanian Days: “While seeking a deeper meaning behind the Lithuanian Days, one cannot overlook their profound social aspect. Lithuanians travel from the farthest corners of Australia not only to participate in the events but also to meet and socialize <...>, joining together as a wider stream of their compatriots. On this occasion, our traditional hospitality becomes evident. Everyone feels a moral obligation to provide not only accommodation but full support to performers or regular guests attending the Lithuanian Days.”
The virtual exhibition “Australian Lithuanians. Part 3” consists of two sections: “Australian Lithuanian Days (1960–1980)” and “Australian Lithuanian Days (1980–1990).” It covers thirty years of Lithuanian Days history leading up to the restoration of Lithuania’s independence. The exhibition captures moments from the openings of the Days, religious services, song and dance festivals, literary evenings, and sports events. The striking photographs by photographer Alfonsas Budrys are particularly eye-catching. On display are programs, publication covers, event tickets. The majority of the exhibition items come from the Australian Lithuanian Archives. We are grateful to Daina Pocius for making these materials available to the public.
We invite you to explore the exhibition:
Last updated: 12-05-2025
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Virtual exhibition “Australian Lithuanians. Part 4”