30th anniversary of The Baltic Way marked in Mayo

THE Ambassador of the Republic of Latvia to Ireland JÄnis SÄ«lis, First Secretary of Embassy of Estonia in Dublin Kadri-Mai Kaunissaare and Deputy Head of Embassy of the Republic of Lithuania Virginia UmbrasienÄ— visited Castlebar to take part in 30th anniversary celebrations of The Baltic Way.

On August 23, 1989, two million people from Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia formed a 600km long human chain known as The Baltic Way through the Baltic countries in a demonstration of their unity in their efforts towards freedom.

In 1940 the Baltic states were occupied by the Soviet Union under the Molotov–Ribbentrop Pact, which had been previously signed on August 23, 1939, by Soviet Union and Nazi Germany.

Under the USSR inhabitants of the Baltic states were forced to live under the dictatorship of the Communist Party where freedom of thought and speech was restricted.

At the end of the 1980s the effects of the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact were still being felt in the Baltic states.

The occupation continued but the USSR denied the existence of the Pact and continuously asserted that the Baltic states had voluntarily joined the Soviet Union.

On August 23, 1989, the 50th anniversary of the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact, The Baltic Way took place.

It was designed to draw global attention by demonstrating a popular desire for independence for each of the entities.

It also illustrated solidarity among the three nations. It has been described as an effective publicity campaign, and an emotionally captivating and visually stunning scene.

Within seven months of the protest, Lithuania became the first to declare independence. This was followed shortly after by Estonia and Latvia.

To commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Baltic Way, the Irish Latvian community, together with members of the Estonian and Lithuanian communities, created a human chain across the bridge at Lough Lannagh on the evening of August 23, 2019.

Ambassador of the Republic of Latvia to Ireland JÄnis SÄ«lis reminded everybody of importance of unity and power of peacefull protests.

Songs in the three Baltic Languages: Latvian, Estonian and Lithuanian were sung, as the singing was an integral part of the original Baltic Way.

The event was very emotional for all present. People were dressed in their traditional costumes. Flags were flown and candles were lit in between flags to symbolise the Baltic Way and its historical significance.

The celebrations were part of the annual Latvian family camp “3x3” (symbolising 3 generations of the family) which has taken place in the Lough Lannagh Holiday Village for last seven years.

The Latvian community in Ireland thanked Paul and Gerardine Lennon, along with all the staff in Lough Lannagh Holiday Village, for their hospitality and great support through the years.

The Mayo Latvian Support group also wish to thank La Cheile Family Resource centre for their continuous support for our Latvian weekend school.

The event was organised with the support of The Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.