Flying the red, white and red

  • 2007-11-14
  • By Talis Saule Archdeacon

FREEDOM FIREWORKS: The highly anticipated fireworks show will take place over the Daugava River at 8:30 p.m., following the president's address.

RIGA - Though no Latvian will admit that they live in a relatively young country, nearly all Latvians like to celebrate their independence day with the wild passion of youth.
As Independence Day quickly approaches, signs of people gearing up for an enormous party are beginning to crop up around Riga. Flags are hung around town, special events are announced and the city is falling into what can only be described as "the calm before the storm."
On Nov. 18, Latvians everywhere will celebrate the nation's declaring independence from Russia in 1918. Nearly every venue in Riga will host some sort of special cultural event to mark the day. Parades will fill the streets and fireworks will fill the sky.

Navigating the long list of cultural events planned for the day can be a nightmare, so here are a few suggestions of the best things to see and do between glasses of Independence Day balzams.

City wide events

For all the early-rising religious types out there, the day will kick off at 10:00 a.m. with an ecumenical service at Doma Cathedral in the center of the Old Town.
From there, the crowds will slowly make their way toward Milda, the towering Freedom Monument, for the highly ceremonial flower laying ceremony. The event is steeped with tradition and symbolism. The ceremony will start at 11:15 a.m. and last for about a half hour.

What would an Independence Day celebration be without a parade? At 2:00 p.m., the national armed forces will hold a military parade along the banks of the Daugava River, where military buffs will be able to see the Latvian army in its entire splendor.
Then at 8 p.m. President Valdis Zatlers will make his independence day address to the nation. A large screen and speakers will be set up near the Freedom Monument for those interested in hearing the speech.

Fireworks are a pretty common sight around Riga, and people often use even the most flimsy of reasons to launch of a round or two in celebration. The fireworks on Independence Day, however, are in a completely different class from those that can be seen above the Riga skyline almost every weekend.
After the president's speech, people will start to gather at the banks and on the bridges of the Daugava River for a fireworks display which is sure to be breathtaking. The show starts at 8:30 p.m.

Concerts and Culture

For those interested in learning a bit about the history behind the day, the National History and Sailors Museum will hold a special "original photo exhibition" titled "The Latvian Republic Declares Independence on Nov. 18, 1918."

While there will be a great number of concerts taking place on the day, only a few are officially endorsed by the city 's all of which are classical music or opera. The official concerts include a 5:00 p.m. classical music show at the Small Guild, a 6:00 p.m. choral music concert at the Congress Building and a 6:00 p.m. opera at the National Opera House.

If none of these events seem particularly exciting, try checking out the Gig Guide for the more routine sort of party.