A New English Translation of the Constitution of the Republic of Užupis

with my love, after looking deep into the eyes of its mermaid

I was a brief resident of 1 Užupis g., the apartment above the Border Patrol of this delightful micro-republic.

view from my window of Vilnelė, the river that separates Užupis (“beyond the river”) from the rest of Vilnius, Lithuania

I loved everything about the place, especially the fact that the constitution is posted publicly in more than 20 languages (including Braille!) on mirrored squares that reflect the reader, bringing them into the art.

Border posts the laws: Smile, Speed Limit 20 KPH, Love Art, Do not drive into the river

The English translation as posted on the long wall felt literal and lacking in some of the nuances of the original, so, in the spirit of Užupis, with no permission from anyone, I took it upon myself to do a new, careful, and accurate translation. Enjoy!

This mermaid inspired me to create a new translation. She also bewitched me and caused me to leave part of my soul in Užupis. I hope to return soon.

Constitution

1. Every person has the right to live alongside the River Vilnelė, and the River Vilnelė has the right to flow past everyone.

2. Every person has the right to hot water, heat in the winter, and a roof of tile.

3. Every person has the right to die, but this is not an obligation.

4. Every person has the right to be wrong.

5. Every person has the right to be unique.

6. Every person has the right to love.

7. Every person has the right to remain unloved, but not invariably.

8. Every person has the right to be inconsequential and obscure.

9. Every person has the right to be lazy or do nothing.

10. Every person has the right to love and support a cat.

11. Every person has the right to care for a dog until one of their lives ends.

12. A dog has the right to be a dog.

13. No cat is required to love their host, but still must help them in hard times.