October – Month of the Lithuanian Diaspora – Celebrated in Lithuania and Worldwide
Vytautas Magnus University (VMU) is once again inviting audiences to mark October – Month of the Lithuanian Diaspora. Now in its fifth year, the initiative encourages people throughout October to explore the history of the Lithuanian diaspora, the work of its communities and Lithuanian schools abroad, and the creative contributions of diaspora artists. The month-long program unites the initiatives of VMU, cultural and academic institutions, organizations, as well as independent researchers and creators dedicated to diaspora-related themes.
This year, the World Lithuanian Community (WLC) has joined the initiative, encouraging participation in numerous diaspora events and activities starting in late September.
The month of October – for highlighting special diaspora activities
“The Month of the Diaspora is becoming increasingly recognized both in Lithuania and among Lithuanian communities abroad. With the greater good for Lithuanians as a diaspora nation in mind, I see significant value in bringing together in one program the October events and initiatives taking place in Lithuania and across the diaspora,” notes Ingrida Dačiolienė, Coordinator of the VMU World Lithuanian University.
Although diaspora-related events are organized year-round both in Lithuania and abroad, once a year VMU and the WLC join forces to highlight and amplify these efforts. The goal is to strengthen recognition of the diaspora’s history, culture, and political role, while drawing attention to current issues facing Lithuanian communities worldwide.
“October is filled with Lithuanian events around the globe that reflect our diversity and demonstrate that the diaspora is an inseparable part of Lithuania. Lithuanian communities everywhere show that our identity thrives wherever language, culture, and traditions are nurtured, while ties with Lithuania become bridges connecting different countries, people, and cultures. VMU’s initiative highlights how creatively and responsibly Lithuanians abroad contribute to the creation of Lithuania’s shared history and to the preservation of our national identity,” says WLC Chairperson Dalia Henke.
Events in Lithuania and the diaspora
The Lithuanian program for October – Month of the Lithuanian Diaspora, taking place both in-person and online, features two documentary films exploring Lithuanian diaspora history, including the long-awaited premiere of director Ramunė Rakauskaitė’s That Farm in America. Also included are six lectures on exile literature, diaspora history, and migration processes; book presentations; meetings with South American Lithuanians and pianist Guoda Gedvilaitė (Germany); and a commemorative evening honoring Canadian-Lithuanian anthropologist Romas Vaštokas.
The international program offers a wide variety of activities: the traditional European Lithuanian Culture Days in Belgium, Lithuanian Days in Los Angeles, the first joint Lithuanian–Latvian–Estonian event in Japan Meet the Neighbours, educational initiatives, the Diaspora Forum in Sweden, community and organization meetings and anniversaries, and special programs for diaspora children.
With growing collaboration between VMU and its partners dedicated to diaspora matters, the October program seeks to strengthen the understanding that the Lithuanian diaspora is an integral part of Lithuania.
Organizer: VMU World Lithuanian University
Partners: World Lithuanian Community, President Valdas Adamkus Library-Museum, VMU Centre for Social Anthropology, Ąžuolynas Library, Society for the Study of Lithuanians Abroad
