Commemorating the Latvian Freedom Fighters, November 11 will be celebrated in the centre of the capital, as well as in its neighbourhoods. A solemn service, the traditional lighting of candles at the Riga Brethren Cemetery, a torchlight procession, the launching of a fire raft into the Daugava River, concerts of patriotic power songs, thematic workshops, exhibitions and a documentary film are being expected.
Programme of the celebrations in the capital of Latvia
On November 11 from 9 a.m. inhabitants of Riga and city guests are invited to attend a solemn service in Riga Cathedral (Rīgas Doms), but until 9 p.m. an outdoor exhibition of military equipment will be held at the Latvian War Museum. Meanwhile, at the National History Museum of Latvia from 10 a.m. an exhibition of the Lāčplēsis War Order and a new exhibition “Satversme 100+” (Constitution 100+) will be on display.
On this day at 3 p.m. at Sudrabkalns – in the vicinity of Imanta – there will be a moment of commemoration dedicated to the memory of Latvian freedom fighters, where the men’s group “Vilki”, the folklore group “Vilcenes” and the brass band “Auseklītis” will perform.
At 5 p.m. the event titled "The Spirit of Freedom Fighters Through All Times” will be held for the twentieth time, where memorial candles will be traditionally lit at the Riga Brethren Cemetery (Brāļu kapi). After that, a patriotic torchlight procession all the way to the Freedom Monument and 11 November Embankment is expected, as well as the launching of a fire raft into the Daugava River at the monument “Great Kristaps” (Lielais Kristaps). Pastor Guntis Kalme will give a solemn speech at the Freedom Monument, and the songs of the Latvian Freedom Fighters will be sung by the men's group “Vilki”.
One of the central events of Lāčplēsis Day will take place at the Latviešu Strēlnieku Square, where from 6 p.m. to 10.00 p.m. you will be able to hear the concert “Songs of power” (Spēka dziesmas) featuring performances by Riga folklore groups and the rock band “Līvi” that will sing a selection of their best songs.
At 7 p.m. the concert "On the way to Latvia" will be performed in the Riga Cathedral, with the participation of the orchestra "Rīga", the mixed choir "Sōla" and soloists Annija Kristiāna Ādamsone (soprano), Laura Grecka (mezzo-soprano) and Aivars Osītis (cornet). Also, during this time, festive melodies will be heard at the concert Beauty of my father's homestead organized by the Riga Culture and Folk Art Center "Mazā ģilde", where Zane Šmite (voice, vargan), Ilze Grunte (guitar, charango), Indriķis Veitners (saxophone, clarinet) and Andris Grunte (double-bass) will perform.
At 7 p.m. in the vicinity of Vecmīlgrāvis – in the park at the Culture Palace “Ziemeļblāzma” – the event “With an unquenchable flame in the heart” (Ar nedziestošu liesmu sirdī) will be held with the performance of poet, composer, performer Lauris Valters and the mixed choir “Norise”.
At the end of Lāčplēsis Day residents of Riga and guests of the city are invited to visit the concert hall “Ave Sol”, where from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. the concert “A peaceful evening in Daugavmala” will be performed with the participation of Larisa Carjkova (organ), the mixed choir “Austrums” of the Riga Latvian Society House, the National Guard choir “Stars”, soloist Atis Zviedris and his friends.
In addition to these live events on the website and social network account of the Riga Culture and Folk Art Centre “Mazā ģilde” at 11 a.m. everyone will be able to watch the documentary film “Punishment for a Dream” by Latvian director Andris Rozenbergs.
Also, from 11-19 November anyone interested have the opportunity to attend thematic workshops at the Riga Porcelain Museum dedicated to the themes of the proclamation of the Republic of Latvia, sovereignty and national identity.
Festive decoration in the urban setting
The design and conceptual idea of the national holiday decor and content are based on the idea of the independence, or internal freedom from external circumstances, which Knuts Skujenieks wrote about in his poetry. On urban stands and posters feature Knuts Skujenieks’ poetry, as well as the stories of Latvia’s flags, which survived various periods of the country’s history, preserved and honoured to this day.
10 light installations quoting powerful lyrics from Latvian folk songs, which already earned much praise from the local residents last year, are returning to the city. This year, you will find them in the centre of Riga and several neighbourhoods: Teika, Imanta, Zolitūde, Ziepniekkalns, Vecmilgrāvis, Maskavas Forštate, and Plavnieki. Vertical banners in the colours of the flag will be installed on more than 1000 light poles and at Riga City Hall. A few flag installations will add to the festive decor of the capital.
You can find out more about the events organized by the Riga City Council and dedicated to Lāčplēsis Day on the website svetki.riga.lv and follow their news on the social network account “Rīgā notiek”. Booklets with the programme of the celebrations are available in Riga municipal libraries, culture centres, customer service stations in Neighbourhood Centres, as well as the Riga Tourist Information Centre.
Information was prepared by: Raimonds Grants – Project Coordinator at External Communication Division of Riga City Council Communication Department, e-mail: Raimonds.Grants@riga.lv.
