It’s again set for party and celebration of the independent Republic of Užupis in Vilnius. Fourteen years have passed since this centrally located city district declared secession and independence from the Republic of Lithuania, and 1 April 1997 is now celebrated every year as the very Constitutional Date of this genuine, fascinating bohemian republic right on the other side of the river Vilnia. It takes no more than five minutes to walk there from the old town of Vilnius, so on Friday afternoon this week, all of you, dear VilNews readers, are warmly welcome to participate in the spring’s biggest and most colourful festival here in Vilnius!

The name Užupis means simply ‘the other side of the river’. There are several bridges over the river, but I recommend you to use the Užupis Bridge. This almost 20-meter long bridge, built in 1901, is a piece of art in itself, also characterized by the many padlocks attached to the wrought iron rails, hung there by hundreds of newly married couples confirming their wedlock promises. Use the left sidewalk when you cross the river, and when you are well up on the bridge, you should stop and look down and left. For there she sits, the little bronze mermaid guarding the entrance to Užupis. She sits there in a niche in the brick wall, only a few feet above the river that runs rough and powerful now in these times of spring, studying the many guests at the outdoor deck of the Užupis Cafe already well underway with springtime foaming beer mugs filled to the brim with amber-golden beverages imported from the neighbouring Republic of Lithuania.

It is not unlikely that you must be equipped with a visa to enter Užupis on this very special day. But both passport and customs control tend to go quickly, so no reason to despair. Even the 12-man army seems to be more concerned with getting people inside the borders than to defend the Republic against intruders. Well within the Republic’s external border, you soon realize that you’ve come to the land of smiles. During the walk up to the angel square that forms the centrepiece of the Republic you have to expect crowds of happy people who are here to celebrate this extraordinary national day, and if you’re lucky, you will meet at least one person wearing a long red gown . This outfit is reserved for the Republic’s leaders, be it the President or one of its ministers, and it may even be that one of them will be willing to accept sharing a small glass of something with you in one of the many bars and restaurants surrounding the Republic’s main routes.

But, by all means, stay not only in the main streets, for it is in the courtyards and back streets you’ll find many of the galleries, the special ‘decorations’, the music, scents, mystery and human life that makes Užupis to such a special place on earth.

As dusk slowly comes this Maundy Thursday early evening, I am convinced that you will have already made new acquaintances among the crowds of happy, hugging and colourful individuals from many countries and the Republic itself that all are here now to celebrate the Independence Day. You are probably already a part of the almost southern rhythms that characterize Užupis today, and when you together with your new friends finally reach the angel who stands firmly on its high pedestal in the centre of the main square, you realise that today he is far from the only one who blows the horn. Today he is surrounded by vibrant singers and musicians of many kinds, and when darkness finally falls it is right here tonight’s big show takes place in powerful expression of exceptional talent and swinging rhythms.

Užupis is still an urban area characterized by dilapidated buildings, but when the music reverberates over the cobbles this late spring evening, I am convinced that you will have fallen in love – with this unique part of Vilnius city, with the Republic, with the atmosphere and with all the happy people around you. When you at late night again cross the river Vilnia I think you’re going to do it with a big smile and renewed appreciation of the exceptionally exciting adventures and stories Lithuania has to offer…

Aage Myhre

VilNews Editor

Ambassador of the Republic of Užupis

The Republic of Užupis

Užupis is one of the oldest districts of Vilnius, mentioned in historical sources as far back as the 16th century. Once it was called the “salt road” to Polock. In olden times it was the suburb where the poor and mainly craftsmen, lived. There were many mills and at one time it was even known as a brothel district.

The district contains the Bernadine Cemetery, one of the oldest in Vilnius. Most of the district’s Jewish population vanished during the Holocaust, and later even the old Jewish Cemetery would be destroyed by the Soviets. The houses left empty by the Holocaust were occupied by marginal elements of society, the homeless, and prostitutes.

Until Lithuania’s declaration of independence in 1990, it was one of the most neglected areas in the city, containing many run-down houses, many without utilities.

Today the district houses art galleries, artists’ workshops, and popular cafés. On April Fools Day in 1997, the district declared itself an independent republic (The Republic of Užupis), replete with an army of 12 personnel.

Užupis is a unique republic.  A colourful and alive island, separated from the city by the Vilnia River that once gave name to the city itself. Užupis is a recognised district for artists and has won the name of the most mysterious and romantic district of Vilnius. Užupis is the artists’ republic, which has its own constitution (see below), national anthem, calendar and map. The district is often compared to Montmartre in Paris due to its bohemian atmosphere.

Užupis has its own President, Prime Minister, Ambassadors from many countries of the world, military force (consisting of 12 people), a bishop, two churches, the Bernardino cemetery, which is the oldest cemetery in Vilnius, seven bridges and a wonderful patron saint– the bronze Užupis Angel erected in its main square…

Užupis has its honorary citizens. They are such famous people as his Holiness, the Dalai Lama, former President of the Republic of Lithuania, Valdas Adamkus, artist Jonas Mekas and many others. Užupis has its own holidays – the Day of Užupio Independence, the Day of the Fish, the Day of Traps, the Day of White Tablecloths, etc., as well as its own traditional way of celebrating these holidays.

If you walk along the banks of the Vilnia River, you will be sure to come across artists working there. Passers-by are invited to have a try at the various kinds of art, like photography and painting, or to take part in an evening of summer cinema or exhibitions. 

Everyone can find interesting places and corners in Užupis. One of them is the Užupis Bridge where lovers hang padlocks with their names engraved on them. The padlock is believed to tie and strengthen the hearts of two young people in love. 

Some works of art have become symbols of Užupis:

The Užupis Constitution