Draugas News

06/28/2025

The Lithuanian Song Festival has begun! Throngs of Lithuanians have descended on Cleveland.

There’s a century-old tradition of Baltic song festivals in which nations come together in song. One such high-profile affair, the Lithuanian Song Festival, is making its Northeast Ohio debut with …

06/20/2025

See you at the North American Lithuanian Song Festival next weekend. Here's all the information you'll need at your fingertips (in English) for a successful and enjoyable experience:

Your visit The what, where and when of the Song Festival weekend as well as Cleveland highlights. Cleveland Sing it with us, “Cleveland Rocks!” There is much to see, do and taste! Stay tuned! Our local experts will guide you to all their favorites, including Lithuanian connections in and around ...

06/07/2025

June 13 | Washington, DC
You Cannot Deport Our Memory

Join the Embassy of Lithuania and the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation for a name-reading ceremony honoring those deported to Siberia during Soviet rule.

Friday, June 13, 11:00 AM–12:00 PM
Victims of Communism Museum, 900 15th St NW, Washington, DC
No registration required. All are welcome.

This event is held in conjunction with Lithuania’s Day of Mourning and Hope (June 14) and the Day of Occupation and Genocide (June 15). In 2025, we mark the 85th anniversary of the Soviet occupation of Lithuania in 1940 and the 84th anniversary of the first mass deportations of civilians to Siberia in 1941. These dates honor the memory of the thousands who suffered under Soviet terror and reaffirm our commitment to preserving the truth.

06/04/2025

Curious about the future of Lithuania and its global connections? The NALB Forum 2025 at MIT is where ideas, innovation, and leadership come together. NALB=North American Lithuanian Business Forum

Date: June 9,10,11
Location: MIT, Cambridge, MA
Explore the speaker lineup and program: https://nalbforum.com

The forum brings together Lithuanian professionals, entrepreneurs, and changemakers from around the world. Expect inspiring speakers, big conversations, and a strong global Lithuanian network.

The North American Lithuanian Business Forum is an annual event fostering robust business connections between Lithuania and North America.

06/04/2025

Scenes from the Lithuanian World Center Spring Fest, held June 1 in Lemont, Illinois. Draugas News was there—thanks for the warm welcome!
Photos by Audronė (Audrey) Kižys.

06/03/2025

You are warmly invited to a Holy Mass in Remembrance for Father Antanas Saulaitis, SJ, former director of Jaunimo Centras (JCs) and a deeply respected spiritual leader in our community. The photo shows him in the early years of his piresthood at the memorial in front of JCs.

Chapel at the Chicago Lithuanian Center – Jaunimo Centras
Sunday, June 8th at 1:30 PM
5620 S Claremont Ave, Chicago, IL

🌸 The Šaltibarščių Pinknik takes place earlier that day at 12:30 pm — those planning wisely can attend both.

06/02/2025

Mass of Remembrance for Father Antanas Saulaitis, SJ
Chapel at the Chicago Lithuanian Center – Jaunimo Centras
Sunday, June 8th at 1:30 PM
5620 S Claremont Ave, Chicago, IL

You are warmly invited to Holy Mass in Remembrance for Father Antanas Saulaitis, SJ, former director of JCs and a deeply respected spiritual leader in our community.

Let us come together in prayer and gratitude for his life, service, and lasting impact.

🌸 The Šaltibarščių Pinknik takes place earlier that day — those planning wisely can attend both.

06/02/2025

🌸 Chicago has caught the pink wave! 🌸

The beloved ŠALTIBARŠČIŲ PINKNIK is back at the Chicago Lithuanian Center – and you’re invited!

Chicago Lithuanian Center – Jaunimo Centras (JCs)
Sunday, June 8th at 12:30 PM
5620 S Claremont Ave, Chicago, IL

Celebrate the start of summer with a bowl (or two!) of Lithuania’s favorite cooler – cold beet soup. Come dressed in pink and bring your appetite.

06/02/2025

The Embassy of Lithuania is pleased to invite you to a special screening of THE JUMP, about Simas Kudirka, a Lithuanian sailor and his desperate leap for freedom.

The screening will be followed by a Q&A session with acclaimed film director Giedrė Žičkytė.

🕢 WHEN: On Tuesday, June 10, at 6:30 PM.

📍WHERE: At the Embassy of Lithuania, 2622 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009.

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THE JUMP: In 1970, off the coast of Martha’s Vineyard during a tense standoff, Lithuanian sailor Simas Kudirka made a dangerous leap for freedom from his Soviet vessel to a US Coast Guard cutter, but the Americans sent him back — inciting one of the Cold War’s most complex and suspenseful political blunders.

The film will be screened in Lithuanian and English with English subtitles.

The event is free. Registration is required at [email protected].

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Giedrė Žickytė, born in 1980, is a European Film Academy (EFA) nominated film director and producer, and the recipient of the Lithuanian National Prize for Culture and Arts in 2022. Based in Vilnius, Lithuania, she founded the documentary film production company MOONMAKERS. Her films have been screened at numerous international film festivals, winning over 30 awards and gaining international distribution in Europe, Asia and North America. In 2021, Giedrė was honored with the Lithuanian Presidential Award - the Order of the Lithuanian Grand Duke Gediminas - for her contributions to Lithuanian cinema.

05/28/2025

05/28/2025

Let's go!

05/28/2025

Aurimas Valujavičius and his team have successfully reached the summit of Mount Everest. The renowned traveler set off toward Everest with his friends during the Easter holiday. This marks the second part of his adventure series “Summits of the Planet.” Previously, Valujavičius had climbed Aconcagua – the highest peak in South America – and Ojos del Salado – the world’s highest volcano. He then returned briefly to Lithuania, where he trained intensively in preparation for the ascent of the world’s highest mountain.

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Photo Credit: 15min