1960
The Australian Lithuanian Days are large-scale art festivals that originated alongside the congresses of the Australian Lithuanian Community’s (ALC) National Council. Initially, these congresses were held annually, but later it was decided to organize them every two years. The Lithuanian Days would last an entire week and took place in one of three cities –Adelaide, Melbourne, or Sydney. They began during the Christmas season and continued through the New Year. In addition to cultural events – performances and choir concerts – sports festivals were also held. In 1982, during the National Council Congress, this established tradition was changed. At the request of the Canberra community district, it was entrusted with organizing the 1984 Lithuanian Days in Canberra. Later, the Lithuanian Days were also held in Geelong.
The first Australian Lithuanian Art Days were organized in 1960 in Sydney. The Art Days program included song and folk dance festivals, a literary and song evening, and an art exhibition. The Lithuanian Song Festival took place at Sydney Town Hall. Between 1950 and 1960, the Town Hall became a venue for naturalization ceremonies and various community events.
In the beginning, only choirs, folk dance groups, and theater performances appeared in the Lithuanian Days. Later, the program expanded to include visual arts, folk art, youth evenings, and more. Over time, the Australian Lithuanian Art Days were renamed the Australian Lithuanian Days. These Days continue to be held in Australia to this day.
Australian Lithuanian Archives
