Anniversary of the Coronation of King Mindaugas in 2024

When is Anniversary of the Coronation of King Mindaugas?

Marks the coronation of King Mindaugas on 6 July 1253. Also known as Statehood Day, this public holiday in Lithuania is always celebrated on 6th July.

History of Anniversary of the Coronation of King Mindaugas

This day celebrates the coronation of Mindaugas, who was considered to be the first Grand Duke of Lithuania and the first and only King of a unified Lithuania.

In the late eighties, the historian Edvardas Gudavicius published research supporting an exact coronation date of 6 July 1253.

Despite some disputes as to the accuracy of the date, this day has been an official Lithuanian national holiday since 1991.

Mindaugas founded the first independent Lithuanian state in 1240. To protect Lithuania from attacks, Mindaugas sought help from the Teutonic Knights, a religious military order that had established power in the southeastern Baltic region.

To show his gratitude for their support, Mindaugas became a Catholic in 1251 and is generally credited with bringing Christianity to Lithuania.

He was crowned King of Lithuania during the summer of 1253 and ruled for ten years.

In 2003 Lithuanians celebrated the 750th anniversary of his crowning with a series of cultural activities, including operas, folk music concerts, folk dance performances, parades, and festivals.