Trip 2 Riga: Latvia Independence Day
Latvia Independence Proclamation Day (Latvijas Republikas Proklamēšanas Diena in Latvian), is Celebrated on November 18th
At the Square by the Freedom Monument, the Traditional Festivities with a Concert, the President's Speech, and a Multimedia Light Show (November 18, 2023), Riga, Latvia (Photo by Author)
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Latvia Independence Proclamation Day, also known as Latvijas Republikas proklamēšanas diena in Latvian, is celebrated on November 18th. On this day in 1918, Latvia formally declared its independence from German and Russian occupation, marking the birth of the Republic of Latvia.
The proclamation of independence was a significant event that followed the end of World War I. It is a day of national pride and reflection on Latvia's journey as a sovereign nation.
Latvia Independence Proclamation Day is a national holiday in Latvia, and it is celebrated with various events and activities throughout the country. These include official ceremonies, parades, concerts, and cultural events to commemorate the country's history and the struggle for independence.
On November 18, 2023, the events in Riga leading to and including Latvia Independence Proclamation Day included the following activities:
November 17–19: At 18:30–23:00, the light and fire installations at the Arkādijas Park.
November 17: At 18:00, a concert "Es nāku no mazas tautas" (I come from a small nation) at the culture center "Imanta" (Anniņmuižas boulevard 29).
November 17: At 19:00–20:30, a choir concert "Ir tikai viena Latvija" (There is only one Latvia) at the concert hall Ave Sol (Citadeles Street 7).
November 18: At 09:00, an ecumenical service at the Rīga Cathedral (Herdera Square 6).
November 18: At 10:30, flower laying at the Freedom Monument.
November 18: At 11:00–18:00, an exhibition on the Lāčplēsis War Order, other exhibitions, and guided tours, at the Latvian National History Museum (Brīvības Boulevard 32).
November 18: At 13:00, a military parade on the 11. novembra krastmala along the Daugava.
November 18: At 16:00–17:00, a choir concert at the music school on Prūšu Street 13B.
Military Parade on 11. Novembra Krastmala Along the Daugava (November 18, 2023), Riga, Latvia (Photo by Author)
November 18: At 16:00, a concert by the drum and bagpipe band "Auļi" at the culture center "Ziemeļblāzma" (Ziemeļblāzmas Street 36).
November 18: At 17:00, a concert with the folklore and ancient battle group "Vilkači" at the Latvian War Museum (Smilšu Street 20).
November 18: At 17:00, a kokle concert at the culture center "Iļģuciems" (Lidoņu Street 27 k-2).
November 18: At 19:00, a concert "Latvian Impressions" at the VEF Culture Castle (Ropažu Street 2).
November 18: At 19:00–23:00, at the square by the Freedom Monument, the traditional festivities with a concert, the President's speech, and a multimedia light show will take place.
November 18: At 18:00–23:00, fire and light installations along the city canal from the National Opera to Bastejkalns.
November 18: At 21:00, a choir concert at the Small Guild (Amatu Street 5).
Flowers at the Freedom Monument (November 18, 2023), Riga, Latvia (Photo by Author)
The other cities and regions of the country also offer plenty of celebratory opportunities. Here is a selection from November 18th, 2023:
Daugavpils
November 18: At 10:00, service at St. Peter's Chains Roman Catholic Church, Rīgas iela 39.
November 18: At 10:00-16:00, Street market Rīgas iela section from Cietokšņa street to Stacijas street.
November 18: From 17:00, Latvian National Anthem, Lasershow installation - a tribute to the 105th anniversary of the proclamation of the Republic of Latvia. Lasershow duration 15 min., repetition at 18.00 6:45 p.m., 7:00 p.m., 7:45 p.m., 8:00 p.m., 8:45 p.m. Vienības Square, next to Riga Street 22a
November 18: At 18:00, celebrations of the 105th anniversary of the proclamation of the Republic of Latvia, the annual awards ceremony of the municipality of Daugavpils, Daugavpils theater, Rīgas iela 22a.
Liepāja
November 18: At 10:00, run across Latvia in Liepāja. Jānis Čakste square.
November 18: At 10:00, market of Latvian artisans and homemakers. Rožu laukums.
November 18: At 11:00 and 14:00, free excursions in the interactive exposition "Six months of the Provisional Government of Latvia in Liepāja". Advance reservations +371 29 605 223. Liepāja Museum, Kūrmājas pr. 16/18.
November 18: At 11:00, bread baking in honor of Latvia's birthday. Liepaja 17.-19. century interior museum "Mrs. Hoijere's Guest House" at Kungu Street 24.
November 18: At 12:00, ecumenical service. St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Cathedral, Rakstvežu iela 13.
November 18: At 13:00, performance of ethnomusicians Julgī Staltes and Erika Zepa. Liepaja 17.-19. century interior museum "Mrs. Hoijere's Guest House" at Kungu Street 24.
November 18: At 16:00, Proclamation Day service of the Republic of Latvia. St. Paul's Church, Kuršu iela 19.
November 18: At 17:00, concert of the 105th anniversary of the proclamation of the Republic of Latvia. Jānis Čakste square.
November 18: At 20:00, national holiday concert program "A lot of happiness, Latvia!". House of the Latvian Society of Liepāja, Rožu laukums 5/6.
Ventspils
November 18: At 11:00, run and bike ride dedicated to Latvia's New Year's Day "Run or cycle the outline of Latvia in Ventspils". Renkis park.
November 18: At 16:00, concert at "Latvija" concert hall.
November 18: At 17:30, Ventspils State 1st Gymnasium "Path of Light" Ventspils State 1st Gymnasium
November 18: At 19:00, Jumprava concert Lielais laukums.
November 18: At 20:30, festive fireworks Lielais laukums.
November 18: At 21:00, Independence Day ball at Ventspils Cultural Center.
Military Parade on 11. Novembra Krastmala Along the Daugava (November 18, 2023), Riga, Latvia (Photo by Author)
Jelgava
November 18: At 10:00, ecumenical service, St Anne's Lutheran church.
November 18: At 10:00-16:00, family history game 'Know the history of Jelgava', G. Elias Jelgava History and Art Museum, Akadēmijas street 10.
November 18: At 13:00-17:00, creative workshop 'Mark your birthplace with a self-made Latvian flag', Duke Jacob Square.
November 18: At 17:00, festive concerts, Duke Jacob Square.
November 18: At 17:00-22:00, multimedia history of Jelgava display, Holy Trinity Church tower, Akadēmijas street 1.
Valmiera
November 18: At 10:00, Latvian contour run/walk (12.6 km) and holiday quiz. Start and finish in front of the municipality of Valmiera building at Lāčplėša street 2.
November 18: At 18:00, free festive concert featuring band "Pērkons" and Atis Leviņš & The Rock Brothers. In the square near the Valmiera Cultural Center.
Jekabpils
November 18: At 11:00, ecumenical service Jēkabpils St Michael church (Brivības iela 123)
November 18: At 12:00, Car flag parade.
November 18: At 15:00, laying of flowers at the monument "Fallen for the Fatherland"
November 18: At 16:00, Jēkabpils municipal awards ceremony. Krustpils cultural center.
November 18: At 22:00, festive ball featuring group 'Laika upe'. Krustpils cultural center.
Rēzekne
November 18: At 11:30, "Ieelpo Rēzekni 2023" walking/running event for people and pets. Start/finish at the castle hill.
November 18: At 16:15, celebratory parade featuring various official bodies and cultural associations. Start from the Centennial monument, 62 Atbrīvošanas aleja.
November 18: At 16:30, festive concert in the square near the "United Latvia" monument.
November 18: At 19:00, Rēzekne bigband concert and presentation of citizen of the year award. Latgales Gors concert hall.
Flower Laying at the Freedom Monument (November 18, 2023), Riga, Latvia (Photo by Author)
Latvia Independence Proclamation Day is a day of celebration, reflection, and commitment to the principles that define Latvia's identity.
Trip 2 Riga offers valuable insights and actionable ideas about the top activities and places to visit in Riga, Latvia, and throughout the Baltics. Sign up now to receive our free newsletter directly in your inbox and join a community of like-minded travelers.