The Republic of Uzupis

Republic of Uzupis Sign

During the 1980's, while countries in the Eastern European block were fighting for independence, a group of bohemian artists, drunks, louts and beggars that settled in the district of Uzupis, in the city of Vilnius, decided to declare independence from the state. The government of Lithuania, having more important issues to deal with and, more importantly, recognizing the type of people they're dealing with, just let them be. 

It is, of course, all tongue-and-cheek. Or is it not? Well, there are no formerly defined borders and no guards policing the bridges that lead to the district of Uzupis. But the district, sorry, Republic of Uzupis apparently has, among other things, a national anthem, a flag, a constitution, a president and prime minister. The Republic's headquarters is a bar and its independence day is on April 1. 

Angel of Uzupis

Sadly, the district is not as bohemian as I expected. There are no artists wandering the streets, cheap bottle of red wine in hand, searching for inspiration or 'creating.' The area actually looks very residential and sleepy. However, there is a curious yellow building (apparently the Republic's Ministry of Culture) where all sorts of bizarre artistic creations are taking place. On the day I went to Uzupis a few newly weds and their congregation were there, all formally dressed and taking pictures by the statue of the Angel of Uzupis and in different areas of the district. Thinking about it now it's a shame I didn't talk to anyone in the Republic's headquarters or the Ministry of Culture. 

On a side street, by the statue of the Angel of Uzupis, is a copy of the Republic's constitution translated in different languages and hung next to each other on a long wall. Here I list all 41 points of the constitution that accurately captures the spirit of the founders of the Republic of Uzupis:

Ministry of Culture

Everyone has the right to live by the River Vilnelė, while the River Vilnelė has the right to flow by everyone.

Everyone has the right to hot water, heating in winter and a tiled roof.

Everyone has the right to die, but it is not a duty.

Everyone has the right to make mistakes.

Everyone has the right to individuality.

Everyone has the right to love.

Everyone has the right to be not loved, but not necessarily.

Everyone has the right not to be distinguished and famous.

Everyone has the right to be idle.

Everyone has the right to love and take care of the cat.

Everyone has the right to look after a dog till one or the other dies.

A dog has the right to be a dog.

A cat is not obliged to love its master, but it must help him in difficult times.

Everyone has the right to sometimes be unaware of his duties.

Everyone has the right to be in doubt, but this is not a duty.

Everyone has the right to be happy.

Everyone has the right to be unhappy.

Everyone has the right to be silent.

Everyone has the right to have faith.

No one has the right to use violence.

Everyone has the right to realize his negligibility and magnificence.

Everyone has the right to encroach upon eternity.

Everyone has the right to understand.

Everyone has the right to understand nothing.

Everyone has the right to be of various nationalities.

Everyone has the right to celebrate or not to celebrate his birthday.

Everyone shall remember his name.

Everyone may share what he possesses.

No-one can share what he does not possess.

Everyone has the right to have brothers, sisters and parents.

Everyone is capable of independence.

Everyone is responsible for his freedom.

Everyone has the right to cry.

Everyone has the right to be misunderstood.

No-one has the right to make another person guilty.

Everyone has the right to be personal.

Everyone has the right to have no rights.

Everyone has the right to not be afraid.

Do not defeat.

Do not fight back.
Do not surrender.                            

Long live the Republic of Uzupis