If you’ve seen my previous post, you’ll know that I recently had the chance to photograph a two-day event celebrating Kaunas District’s 70th anniversary and Lithuania’s Statehood Day. This post is about the second day of that assignment. And yes—I was still sick, still had a fever, still felt awful. But just like the first day, I pushed through, camera in hand, doing my best to capture everything despite the circumstances. 😁
The second day of this unforgettable weekend was dedicated to a very special occasion—Lithuania’s Statehood Day, also known as the Coronation of King Mindaugas Day. Celebrated every July 6th, this day commemorates the crowning of Mindaugas, the first and only king of Lithuania, who united the Lithuanian lands and laid the foundation for our state. But what makes this day deeply emotional and symbolic is the 9:00 PM tradition, where Lithuanians all over the world stand together and sing the national anthem. No matter where we are—on city squares, in front of stages, at home—we all unite for that one moment. It’s powerful. It gives goosebumps. And this year, I had the chance to photograph it as part of a two-day paid assignment, for which I am incredibly thankful.
That said—this was also the hardest weekend I’ve ever photographed. Still sick, still running a fever, still with a stuffy nose and barely any energy, I dragged myself out because I couldn’t say no to this opportunity.
🏰 Part 1: A Walk Through Time – Manor Tour and Heritage Moments
The day began with a guided excursion through the manor estate, where the entire event was held. The tour focused on cultural heritage and gave visitors a deeper understanding of the history of this place, its architecture, and its significance to the local community. I followed the tour quietly, listening and capturing moments of curiosity, learning, and reflection.
⚔️ Part 2: Medieval Village – Archery, Axe Throwing, and Knight Battles
The manor grounds had been transformed into a lively medieval village for the day, and this was where the energy shifted completely. You could hear the clash of swords and the whistle of arrows from afar. Reenactors dressed as knights performed combat tournaments, and visitors were invited to try their hand at archery, axe throwing, and various medieval crafts. There were tents, wooden props, chainmail armor—every detail made it feel like a little time machine.
🎤 Part 3: Anthem, Crowds, and Pop Stars – The Emotional Core of the Day
As the evening approached, the crowd thickened—people were arriving in anticipation of the night’s main concerts. But first, at 9:00 PM sharp, everything stopped. Thousands of people stood still, side by side, and began to sing the Lithuanian national anthem. The sun had just set, the air was still, and for a few sacred minutes, you could feel the entire country breathing in sync.
Immediately after the anthem, the main concert began, with one of Lithuania’s most popular performers taking the stage. The crowd went wild. People danced, sang, and waved their hands in the air. I managed to push my way into the center of the massive crowd, camera in hand, to capture dynamic shots of the artist and the sea of happy faces lit by stage lights.
🌌 Part 4: Lights, Lasers, and Letting Go – Closing with a Bang
As night fully took over, the final part of the day was pure spectacle. A different, well-known Lithuanian DJ took over the stage, bringing with him a stunning laser show and even a drone display. The combination of pulsing music, colorful lights, and shimmering drones painting shapes in the sky was absolutely mesmerizing.
By this point, my energy was nearly gone. The laser show was especially difficult to photograph—smoke, lights, movement, darkness—but I still tried.
💬 Final Thoughts
Photographing this while sick was one of the most difficult things I’ve done. But I’m proud of myself. I accepted this assignment knowing it wouldn’t be easy, and I didn’t back out. Instead, I turned every coughing fit and dizzy spell into fuel. The experience showed me not only what I’m capable of, but also why I do this—to document, to connect, to preserve moments that matter.
I’m incredibly thankful to have been trusted with this work. And despite the physical discomfort, this event became a turning point for me. A reminder that I can push through, that I can still see beauty through a feverish haze, and that I really, truly want to continue walking this path as a photographer.
Thank you for joining me on this two-day journey. ❤️
