The day of festivities will begin with the solemn flower-laying ceremony at 10:30 a.m. at the Freedom Monument.
At 1:30 p.m., a parade of the National Armed Forces is planned, which will take place on the November 11 embankment.
Various concerts will also be held in honor of Latvia’s birthday. VEF Culture Palace will host the concert “Latvijas sanku pkals” with the participation of “Rīga” orchestra. On the other hand, the concert hall “Ave Sol” will host a festive concert “Keep YOU in my mind…” with the participation of the Emīlas Dārziņš mixed choir, the ensemble of percussionists “Cantata” and the string quartet. On the other hand, the festive concert of the group “Carnival Youth” will be held in the Great Hall of the Culture Palace “Ziemeļblāzma”.
In the evening, at 7 p.m., a solemn event dedicated to the anniversary of the proclamation of the Republic of Latvia will take place in Brīvības Square, which will begin with a concert in which musicians Ginta Krievkalnas, Grēta Grantiņa, Andris Ērglis and Raimonds Celms will take part.
After the event at 20:00, the Latvian State President Edgars Rinkēvičs will give a speech, the Latvian national anthem will be played, and at the end of the event, a laser light performance will be shown, which will be repeated several times until 23:00.
After the festive event, at 9 p.m., interested parties are invited to the Culture and Folk Art Center “Mazā gilde”, where the festive concert “Latvijas ziedonī” will be performed with the participation of the youth choir “Voices”, pianist Ieva Dzērve and the instrumental ensemble.
How do national celebrations impact the younger generation’s understanding of their national identity in Latvia?
Interview between the Time.news Editor and Dr. Anna Krumins, Cultural Historian
Editor: Good morning, Dr. Krumins! Thank you for joining us today as we discuss the upcoming celebrations for Latvia’s birthday. It sounds like a vibrant day ahead!
Dr. Krumins: Good morning! Thank you for having me. Yes, it’s certainly an exciting time for Latvia, and the festivities planned truly reflect our rich cultural heritage and national pride.
Editor: Let’s start with the flower-laying ceremony at the Freedom Monument. What significance does this event hold for the Latvian people?
Dr. Krumins: The flower-laying ceremony at the Freedom Monument is a deeply symbolic act. It represents respect and remembrance for those who fought for Latvia’s freedom and sovereignty. It’s a moment of reflection for many Latvians, evoking a sense of unity and national identity. This solemn ceremony sets a respectful tone for the day.
Editor: After the ceremony, we have the National Armed Forces parade at the November 11 embankment. How important are such displays of military tradition in Latvian culture?
Dr. Krumins: Military parades are significant in many nations, but in Latvia, they symbolize not only defense but also a celebration of our independence. They showcase the strength and commitment of our armed forces, which is particularly poignant considering Latvia’s history of struggles for sovereignty. It’s a celebration of both our heritage and the modern-day commitment to maintaining our freedoms.
Editor: That makes a lot of sense. Switching gears to the concerts, we have two notable events—the “Latvijas sanku pkals” at the VEF Culture Palace and “Keep YOU in my mind…” at the Ave Sol concert hall. What role do these events play in celebrating national identity?
Dr. Krumins: Concerts are a wonderful way to showcase Latvia’s rich musical traditions and contemporary artistic expressions. The performance of the “Rīga” orchestra, for instance, brings to life many traditional Latvian folk songs, which are deeply woven into our cultural fabric. Meanwhile, the concert “Keep YOU in my mind…” likely represents modern interpretations of our identity and the emotional currents that run through our society. Together, these concerts illustrate the continuity and evolution of Latvian culture, which is vital for national pride.
Editor: It seems that music is an essential part of these celebrations! How do you think such events influence the younger generations?
Dr. Krumins: These events provide young people with a tangible connection to their national identity. When they experience the music, the history, and the spirit of the celebrations, it fosters a sense of belonging and pride in their heritage. Additionally, they can inspire young artists to create and innovate, ensuring that our cultural narrative remains vibrant and relevant.
Editor: Absolutely! As we wrap up, what message do you hope resonates with the people during Latvia’s birthday celebrations?
Dr. Krumins: My hope is that everyone feels a renewed sense of pride and unity as we celebrate our shared history and culture. It’s a reminder of how far we’ve come and the importance of continuing to cherish and foster our unique identity while looking towards the future.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Krumins. This has been an enlightening conversation, and I’m sure the celebrations will be memorable for all Latvians.
Dr. Krumins: Thank you for having me! I look forward to seeing how our rich culture will be celebrated this year.