Sveiki! Did you know that Lithuania is the only country in the world to have a national scent? With aromas of bergamot, ginger, tree moss, and wood smoke, the country’s perfume pays tribute to 1009, the year in which Lithuania was first mentioned.

2018 is the year to learn more about this Baltic country, as it celebrates 100 years of independence. As part of its cultural exchange during The London Book Fair Market Focus, Lithuania are hosting a series of events over the course of the year. Here are some of the things you can get up to:

Baltic View: Film Event – ‘Miracle’ with Q&A, Rio Cinema

Sun 8 April, 3:00pm – 5:30pm, £7.50 – £11.50

In Lithuanian filmmaker Egle Vertelyte’s debut film, ‘Miracle’, it’s 1992 and Lithuania has just made the shift from communism to capitalism. The pig farm that Irena manages is struggling until a handsome American, Bernardas, arrives, promising to save the day. But is it too good to be true?

Literary Worlds with Undinė Radzevičiūtė, Europe House

Friday 13 April, 6:00pm – 7:30pm

Join in the fun of London Book and Screen Week for an evening with Lithuanian writer Undinė Radzevičiūtė. Undinė Radzevičiūtė is an internationally acclaimed writer, the author of five novels and a collection of short stories and winner of the European Union Prize for Literature. The novel that won this prize, Fishes and Dragons, is a story about civilisations, of Chinese traditions and Western religion. She will be discussing her work as well as her theory of literature, followed by a wine reception.

Children of History @ Free Word Centre

Thursday 12 April, 7:00pm – 8:15pm, £7

How is family life affected by history and identity? This is the central question of this event with Nora Ikstena (Latvia) and Alvydas Slepikas (Lithuania) in conversation with Carolyn Jess-Cooke. Join this fascinating discussion as the speakers analyse the connections between national history and familial relationships in this event held in partnership with English PEN.