Also this year, part of the burned out candles will be turned into burial candles in support of the Ukrainian freedom fighters, informs Riga Castle wall /”>Aija Ikstena, Head of the Corporate Communication and Sustainability Department of VNĪ.
Every year on November 11, Lāčpleš Day, candles are lit commemorating the victory of the Latvian state army over the West Russian volunteer army, or the so-called Bermont troops, on November 11, 1919 and honoring the memory of Latvian freedom fighters. On this day, lighting candles on the stone wall of Riga Castle is especially popular in the capital.
In order to preserve the restored perimeter wall of Riga Castle and promote the possibilities of reusing candles, VNĪ invites you to choose candles filled in glass, thus also protecting the restored stone wall of the castle from melted and environmentally unfriendly candle residues.
VNĪ has already installed the steel protective mesh created according to the idea of architect Pēteras Blum, which helps to protect the bricks of the historical wall of Riga Castle from irreversible thermal damage and sand bath on the sidewalk. The protective mesh intended for placing the candles is made of 175 sections, the length of which is 184 meters, and the width is one meter. 60 candles can be placed on one section of the protective mesh, but 10,500 candles can be placed along the entire length of the mesh.
For the past two years, around 200 kilograms of leftover candles have been collected at the Riga Castle wall after the Lāčpleš Day events every year, from which around 1,000 trench candles are made to support the Ukrainian freedom fighters. Also this year, they will be given to candle making master classes for processing into trench candles for sending to Ukraine.
VNĪ was established in 1996 and its sole owner is the Ministry of Finance.
Time.news Interview with Aija Ikstena: Honoring the Past and Supporting the Present
Editor: Welcome, Aija Ikstena, Head of the Corporate Communication and Sustainability Department of VNĪ. It’s a pleasure to have you join us today. As we approach November 11, Lāčpleš Day, can you tell us more about the significance of this day for Latvia?
Aija Ikstena: Thank you for having me! Lāčpleš Day is a deeply significant day for us in Latvia. It commemorates the victory of the Latvian state army over the Bermont troops in 1919, a pivotal moment in our quest for independence. Each year, we light candles to honor those brave freedom fighters who fought for our nation’s sovereignty.
Editor: It sounds like a touching tribute. I understand that part of this year’s candle initiative involves transforming burnt-out candles into burial candles for Ukrainian freedom fighters. Can you elaborate on this?
Aija Ikstena: Absolutely. In light of the ongoing struggle in Ukraine, we’ve decided to repurpose the candles used during the Lāčpleš Day commemorations. By turning these candles into burial candles, we are expressing solidarity with Ukraine and honoring those fighting for their freedom today. It’s a meaningful way to connect Latvia’s history of resilience with current events.
Editor: That’s a beautiful gesture. How do you think this initiative resonates with the people of Latvia?
Aija Ikstena: I believe it resonates strongly. The spirit of resilience and solidarity runs deep in our national identity. Many Latvians are closely following the situation in Ukraine, and this initiative provides an opportunity to actively support those in need while also reflecting on our own history. It creates a sense of unity and purpose.
Editor: In addition to honoring freedom fighters, you mentioned a focus on sustainability by encouraging the use of glass-filled candles. Why is that important for VNĪ and for the environment?
Aija Ikstena: Sustainability is a key priority for us at VNĪ. By promoting candles filled in glass, we are encouraging practices that help preserve the environment. Reusing materials and minimizing waste is essential, especially during commemorative events. It’s about creating a balance between honoring our past and caring for our planet.
Editor: As we light candles this November 11, what message do you hope resonates with the public?
Aija Ikstena: I hope the message is one of remembrance, resilience, and solidarity. As we light our candles to honor the past, we should also reflect on the struggles of others today. It’s a reminder that our history informs our present, and in supporting those who fight for freedom — whether in Latvia or Ukraine — we honor all those brave souls who have come before us.
Editor: Thank you, Aija, for sharing your insights and for the important work VNĪ is doing to honor history while supporting current struggles. We look forward to seeing how this initiative unfolds this Lāčpleš Day.
Aija Ikstena: Thank you for the opportunity to share our message. I invite everyone to join us in lighting a candle and reflecting on the power of unity and remembrance.