Latvian Independence Day commemorates the declaration of independence of the Republic of Latvia from German and Russian occupation on November 18th 1918 after the end of the first world war.
The People’s Council of Latvia proclaimed independence in the building that today houses the National Theatre in Riga.
The country remained an independent state until the Second World War, when forces from the Soviet Union occupied the country in June 1940.
Like the other Baltic republics, full independence from Soviet Russia occurred on August 21st 1991. The restoration of Independence of the Republic of Latvia was proclaimed on 4 May 1990.
This second independence declaration is commemorated in the Restoration of Independence of the Republic of Latvia holiday on 4th May each year.
Many festive events take place through the country on Latvia’s National Day, including a nationally televised address to the people by the President of the Republic of Latvia. In recent years this speech is given before large crowds in the square by the Freedom Monument in Riga.
A military parade takes place that goes past the Freedom Monument, where people lay flowers to honour those who lost their lives in the fight for independence. In the evening, free outdoor concerts by children’s choirs and musicians take place. Tens of thousands of people also take part in a torchlight procession, and enjoy a stroll through the decorated streets of Riga.
To mark the day, people enjoy dishes like pīrāgi (bacon pies), rupjmaize (rye bread) and the national dish pelēkie zirņi ar speķi (a stew made of grey peas and bacon).