Other events in Baltic States

On the Day of Baltic Unity September 22, all Baltic ancestors in Lithuania, Latvia and rest of the world are urged to participate in the Baltic Unity's convocation event and in lighting bonfires on castle mounds, sacred hills and other sites connected with Baltic history, the Baltic Way spokeswoman Gunta Saule informed LETA.

The bonfires are to glow in unison for one hour, between 8 p.m. and 9 p.m.

778 years ago, Baltic tribes united in the Battle of Saule to defeat the Livonian Brothers of the Sword. The Battle of Saule has been declared the Day of Baltic Unity in Lithuania and Latvia. A huge bonfire was lit on the eve of the battle, symbolizing comradeship among the Baltic pagans.

The goal of this event today is to motivate people to visit places connected with Baltic history and recognize their importance in the modern era.

Siauliai Natural and Cultural Heritage Protection Club "Aukuras" has created an online map using Google Maps, where everyone will be able to mark their own pyres as well as pinpoint other participants' pyre places.

One such bonfire location will be on Sauliesu Castle mound in Kekava Region's Katlakalns.

The event's organizers call on the people to set bonfires in specially-designated places, as an open fire can do damage to the archeological layer of the castle mound.