Everywhere: Articles: Uzupio, 'the Bohemian freestate of Lithuania'

In 1989 poets, artists and squatters, delared Uzupio independent. Unofficially it is now a republic with its own flag, anthem and constitution.

Uzupio, Lithuania (1) by Gijs Bekenkamp

The entrance-sign of Uzupio, a Bohemian free-state in Vilnius

Just outside of the citycentre of the capital of Lithuania lays a quarter called Uzupio.
This, rather rundown, part of the city has been declared independant many years ago by the poets, artists and squatters that lived in that part of town.

On a crumbling wall, Uzupio's 41 constitutional rules are stated.
These rules vary from 'Every cat has the right to be a cat' to 'Everyone has the right to be misunderstood' and even 'Everyone has the right to die, but this is not an obligation.'

On normal days you can walk in and out of Uzupio without any problems but on april the first, fools day and independance day for Uzupio, guards in clownesque outfits smiley-stamp your passport when you want to enter the freestate.

The area has a nice atmosphere and there is a free vibe with people walking around with instruments and artwork, a lot of colourful graffity on the walls a number of galleries and many houses that have artistic amendments.