Roko maršas
Roko maršas was a rock music festival, organized in various cities of Lithuania between 1987 and 1989, and then resurrected in 1996 and 1997. The first festivals were organized while Lithuania was still under the Soviet occupation. They became part of the Singing Revolution, spreading ideas of the Lithuanian independence movement among young people. The first three festivals attracted an estimated 150,000 spectators, and became a rehearsal for the mass protest rallies by Sąjūdis that lead to the restoration of Lithuania's independence.
History
Roko maršas was a rock music festival, organized in various cities of Lithuania. It was held in July and August of 1987–1989, and was resurrected in 1996 and 1997. The first festivals were organized while Lithuania was still under the Soviet occupation. They became part of the Singing Revolution, spreading ideas of the Lithuanian independence movement among the youth. It helped to awaken the younger generation from Soviet-era apathy and inspire them. In total, the three first festivals attracted more than 150,000 spectators. The festivals became a rehearsal for the mass protest rallies by Sąjūdis that lead to the restoration of Lithuania's independence in March 1990.The idea for the festival was raised by Algirdas Kaušpėdas, leader of the band Antis, after a successful concert Kažkas atsitiko in 1986. The event encouraged various underground bands to become public. Other acts that participated more than once include Bix and Ramybes Skveras. Bands from Lithuania, Estonia, Latvia, the USA, and Canada all featured. The festival toured cities in Lithuania. The first installment in 1987 focused more on music without an obvious political message, while later installments had clear political agendas and featured speeches.