Sutartinės, Lithuanian multipart songs, have long been regarded as an essential part of Lithuania’s cultural heritage. In 2010, the UNESCO recognized their importance by inscribing them on the Intangible Cultural Heritage list. Despite this honor, however, sutartinės remained relatively unknown outside the country and only appreciated by folklore enthusiasts within Lithuania. This all changed recently when Monika Linkytė’s Eurovision entry “Stay (Čiūto tūto)” fused sutartinės with modern music, sparking renewed interest in this traditional art form and prompting efforts to sustain this cultural revival beyond the Eurovision stage.

To preserve and promote the rich tradition of sutartinės, the Lithuanian parliament, Seimas, is proposing the establishment of Sutartinės Day on November 16th. The significance of this date lies in the fact that it was on November 16th, 2010, when the UNESCO recognized sutartinės as an essential part of Lithuania’s cultural identity. The proposal aims to celebrate and elevate the stature of sutartinės within the wider Lithuanian society. By dedicating a specific day to honor this unique musical form, the parliament hopes to foster a sense of pride among Lithuanians and encourage a deeper understanding of their cultural roots.

Robertas Šarknickas, the deputy chair of the Parliamentary Committee on Culture, expressed his bewilderment regarding the delay in acknowledging the cultural significance of sutartinės. He further explained that the proposal’s inspiration came from Monika Linkytė’s Eurovision entry, which included sutartinės in her song. As such, the proposal was submitted before the start of Eurovision. The hope is that Sutartinės Day will provide a platform for performances, workshops, and educational initiatives, ensuring that the appreciation for sutartinės transcends the Eurovision buzz and becomes firmly ingrained in the nation’s cultural calendar.

The proposal to establish Sutartinės Day is a significant step towards preserving and promoting Lithuania’s cultural heritage. By dedicating a specific day to honor this unique musical form, the parliament hopes to foster a sense of pride among Lithuanians and encourage a deeper understanding of their cultural roots. It is envisaged that Sutartinės Day will provide a platform for performances, workshops, and educational initiatives, ensuring that the appreciation for sutartinės transcends the Eurovision buzz and becomes firmly ingrained in the nation’s cultural calendar.