Riga's birthday celebrations kick off today

RIGA - Riga's birthday celebrations kick off today, with celebrations taking place throughout the Old Town, as well as on the 11th November Embankment, AB Jetty, Victory Park and Esplanade, marking Riga's 823rd year as a city, the Riga Investment and Tourism Agency informs.

On August 17, Riga's birthday celebrations will take place on the 11th November Embankment, Old Riga, the AB Jetty, Victory (Uzvaras) Park and Esplanade, with an extensive program from 2 p.m. until 2 a.m.

Residents and guests are invited to the Riga is Growing event on the 11th November Embankment, where concerts, dances, attractions, workshops and various surprises will take place throughout the day, culminating in a laser/fountain/video performance. 

On the same day, the Street Music Festival in the Old Town will entertain everyone, the Riga Taste Festival continues, and the 15th 24-hour basketball tournament Krastu Macs will take place at Esplanade from 1:30 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. the next day (August 18), with basketball players of different skill levels from the right and left banks of the Daugava River, performances by DJs and musicians, competitions and entertainment for spectators, all day round the clock.

On August 17, the AB Jetty on the bank of the Daugava River will be the venue for a day-long exhibition of RIX Riga Airport's equipment, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. Various activities for families with children will also take place, there will be food stalls and a lounge area, and in the evening, from 10:00 p.m. to 02:00 p.m., everyone is invited to dance at the Silent Disco.