Virtual exhibition "Australian Lithuanians. Part III"
Commemorating the 75th Anniversary of the Lithuanian Community in Australia, the Lithuanian Central State Archives, in cooperation with the Australian Lithuanian Archives, invites everyone to explore the history of Lithuanian settlement and integration on the Australian continent. This event continues a year-long series of ten virtual exhibitions throughout 2025, with this installment dedicated to the Australian Lithuanian Days.
The Australian Lithuanian Days have been and remain a unique cultural phenomenon in the life of the Lithuanian community in Australia. This major celebration takes place during the General Assembly of the Australian Lithuanian Community (ALC) Council and unites Lithuanians from across the country and beyond. Its purpose is to foster Lithuanian identity, language, culture, and art, while strengthening community spirit. The cultural program features choir performances, folk dance groups, art exhibitions, literary evenings, and sports competitions.
These Lithuanian Days are not only a cultural event but also a historical tradition – often described as a kind of “retreat” – helping preserve Lithuanian heritage and identity far from the homeland. They require extensive preparation and rehearsals and involve numerous performers. Perhaps the greatest achievement of the Lithuanian Days is the way they bring together the youth. The importance and meaning of this celebration are widely recognized by the Lithuanian community in Australia, with people preparing year-round, investing both time and resources.
The first Australian Lithuanian Days were held in 1960 in Sydney and later rotated among three cities – Adelaide, Melbourne, and Sydney. In 1982, following a request by the Canberra community, the General Assembly changed the tradition and granted Canberra the right to host the 1984 Lithuanian Days. Later, the event was also held in Geelong.
Bronius Straukas, in his book The Chronicle of Australian Lithuanians, Volume II, reflected on the deeper significance of the Lithuanian Days:
"In searching for the deeper meaning of the Lithuanian Days, one cannot overlook their strong social dimension. Lithuanians gather from the most remote corners of Australia not only to participate in various events but also to reconnect. It is a shared experience of merging into a broader current of our fellow countrymen. These occasions highlight our traditional hospitality. Everyone feels a moral obligation to offer not just lodging, but full support to performers and even casual guests arriving for the Lithuanian Days."
The virtual exhibition “Lithuanians in Australia. Part III” consists of two sections: “Lithuanian Days in Australia (1960–1980)” and “Lithuanian Days in Australia (1980–1990).” It covers a 30-year period of Lithuanian Days history leading up to the restoration of Lithuania’s independence. The exhibition features captured moments from opening ceremonies, religious services, folk song and dance festivals, literary evenings, and sporting events. Particularly striking are photographs by renowned photographer Alfonsas Budrys. Also on display are programs, publication covers, and event tickets. The majority of the exhibit’s materials come from the Australian Lithuanian Archives. We extend our sincere thanks to Daina Pocius for making these documents accessible to the public.
We invite you to explore the exhibition!