A wide programme of festivities will celebrate the National Day not only in the centre of Riga, but also in its neighbourhoods. More than 30 events are planned to take place in the capital in November, commemorating Lāčplēsis Day, and the Proclamation Day of the Republic of Latvia.
Events dedicated to the Lāčplēša Day
On November 11, the annual Lāčplēša Day event "TheSpirit of the Freedom Fighters Through All Times" at 16.00 will include the traditional lighting of memorial candles at the Riga Brethren Cemetery, followed by a torchlight procession to the Freedom Monument and 11. novembra krastmala, as well as the launching of a fire raft into the Daugava River. On the other side of the Daugava River, at the intersection of Slokas street and Kurzeme prospekts, a memorial will be held at Sudrabkalniņš for those fallen in the battles for the freedom of Latvia.
An event dedicated to Lāčplēša Day "On the Guard of Riga. The name of Victory Park turns 100” will be held in Victory Park. The spectators will be entertained by a grand concert of the contemporary folk music group 'RaxtuRaxti', hip-hip artist Fiņķis and the band 'Skyforger'. Event visitors will be able to warm themselves by the bonfires and hot drinks will be available. Andris Bulis, the actor, will be the event moderator.
On this day, the capital will also host several concerts, a military equipment exhibition, lectures, exhibitions and a tour of the Latvian National History Museum.
Events dedicated to the Proclamation Day of the Republic of Latvia
As usual, the celebration day on 18 November will begin with a festive church service at Riga City Hall and a solemn flower-laying ceremony at the Freedom Monument. Throughout the day, Riga residents and visitors will be able to experience the festive feeling at various concerts and events. As always, a military parade of the National Armed Forces, the Ministry of the Interior and foreign units will take place at 11. novembra krastmala, while in the evening everyone is welcome to the Freedom Square, where a festive event dedicated to the 105th anniversary of the proclamation of the Republic of Latvia will take place. Everyone will have the opportunity to enjoy the festive concert "Voices of the People in Songs". The concert will be followed by a speech by the President of Latvia Edgars Rinkēvičs and a multimedia laser show over the Freedom Monument, which will be repeated several times during the evening.
After the ceremony, residents are invited to the Esplanade, where they will be able to create their own unique festive brooch in an interactive video installation, created from the ornaments of Latvian regional folk costumes. DJ Japānis will create a festive mood at the Esplanade.
On the evening of the celebration day, the residents of Riga will be entertained by the "River of Light" living fire objects along the city canal from the Latvian National Opera to Freedom Square and near Bastejkalns. Ārkādija Park will host the "Garden of Light", which will include fire and light installations in a festive atmosphere.
Other National Day events in Riga
From 6 November to 19 November, various events dedicated to the National Day will take place in the capital as part of the Patriotic Month, and everyone is welcome to attend. On 6 November, the Latvian War Museum will host a commemorative bonfire for Freedom Fighters and an exhibition of military equipment. From 7 to 19 November, the Patriotism Week will take place at the Riga Art Nouveau Centre Museum, and from 11 November, the façade of the Riga Culture and Folk Art Centre "Small Guild" will host a digital exhibition "Children Draw Latvia", which will feature works by children and young people from Riga schools and art studios, in which they have depicted Riga and Latvia. The documentary film "Compartments" will also be screened on the "Small Guild" (Mazā ģilde) Facebook and Youtube accounts from 11 to 19 November.
On 11 and 18 November, everyone can join the thematic porcelain decoration workshop "We" at the Riga Porcelain Museum. The classes will be led by museum educators Astra Kaprāne and Vita Lukstiņa.
Event programme
You can find out more about the events organised by the Riga City Council on the occasion of the anniversary of the Proclamation of Latvia and Lāčplēsis Day at www.svetki.riga.lv; and also follow the social media site “Rīga” and “Rīgā notiek”.
Information prepared by: Sindija Grāvere, Project Coordinator External Communication Division of Riga City Council, e-mail: sindija.gravere@riga.lv