Approaching the bridge over the River Vilnia on Uzupio gatve in Vilnius, two large signs welcome you to the Republic of Uzupis.
Yes, the capital city of Lithuania is also home to its very own republic as Uzupis declared its “independence” on April 1, 1997. While it has its own president, prime minister, anthem and constitution, it may not be a coincidence that Uzupis’ Independence Day is better known to the rest of us as April Fool’s Day.
Long known as an artists’ quarter in Vilnius, some generously compare Uzupis to Montmarte in Paris. Very generously. To be honest, there isn’t much to see other than a large statue of the Angel of Uzupis and the Constitution of Uzupis, which is posted on a wall on Paupio gatve in twelve different languages.
Not surprisingly, the Uzupis Constitution is a bit different from most. As I scanned through the English version on one of several mirrored plaques on the wall, I couldn’t help but smile. And I couldn’t wait to share.
Everyone has the right to live by the River Vilnele, and the River Vilnele 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 this is not an obligation.
Everyone has the right to make mistakes.
Everyone has the right to be unique.
Everyone has the right to love.
Everyone has the right not to be loved, but not necessarily.
Everyone has the right to be undistinguished and unknown.
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 the dog until one of them dies.
A dog has the right to be a dog.
A cat is not obliged to love its owner, but must help in time of need.
Sometimes everyone has the right to be unaware of their duties.
Everyone has the right to be in doubt, but this is not an obligation.
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 violence.
Everyone has the right to appreciate their unimportance.
No one has the right to have a design on eternity.
Everyone has the right to understand.
Everyone has the right to understand nothing.
Everyone has the right to be of any nationality.
Everyone has the right to celebrate or not celebrate their birthday.
Everyone shall remember their name.
Everyone may share what they possess.
No one can share what they do not possess.
Everyone has the right to have brothers, sisters and parents.
Everyone may be independent.
Everyone is responsible for their 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 individual.
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.
Whether they were meant to be serious or simply tongue-in-cheek (or somewhere in between), I think the founders of Uzupis at least set out some very worth principles to live by, don’t you think?
