On November 11 every year, Latvia lights up numerous candles to commemorate the Latvian Army's victory over the West Russian Volunteer Army led by general Pavel Bermont-Avalov on November 11, 1919. On this day Latvia honors its freedom fighters.
The period between the Proclamation of the Independent Republic of Latvia on November 18, 1918 and November 11, 1919 was one of the most complicated periods in Latvia's history as battles were still raging for the independence of the newly-born country. Only in 1919 it became clear that Latvia is truly independent when the Russian Army was driven from Riga! On November 11, 1919, the Latvian state award, the Military Order of Lāčplēsis, with the motto "For Latvia", was established.
The day was named after the Latvian epic mythological hero Lāčplēsis who had the strength and ears of a bear; he has become a symbol of heroism and devotion to the state.
Lāčplēsis Day events in Riga:
8:00-22:00 at Latvian War Museum
Exhibition of military equipment, memorial bonfire dedicated to Latvia's freedom fighters
9:00 Riga Cathedral
Ecumenical service
11:00 Riga Brethren Cemetery
Wreath laying ceremony
10:00-20:00 Riga Castle, Pils Square 3
Exhibition of the full set of the Military Order of Lāčplēsis, Riga Castle sightseeing route
18:00 patriotic songs
More information: www.lnvm.lv
12:00 at Freedom Monument
National Armed Forces ceremonial change of honor guard
Program of the National Armed Forces Orchestra and National Defense Service soldiers
13:00 at Riga Castle
National Armed Forces ceremonial change of honor guard
16:00-19:00 at Riga Brethren Cemetery, Freedom Monument and Akmens Bridge
The spirit of freedom fighters through the ages
16:00 Lighting of memorial candles in memory of fallen soldiers at the Riga Brethren Cemetery
16:40 Torchlight procession from the Riga Brethren Cemetery to the Freedom Monument
18:00 Tribute to freedom fighters at the Freedom Monument. Participants: men's musical collective Vilki
18:20 Torchlight procession to the November 11 Embankment to the Akmens Bridge
18:40 Launching of a raft of fire on the Daugava River at the Akmens Bridge
18:00 Riga Brethren Cemetery
Eve of independence battle roll-call
19:00 Culture and folk art center Mazā Ģilde
Concert Latvijas pakalnos ozoli deg!
Male chamber choir Frachori, Guntars Ruņģis (tenor), Annija Putniņa (soprano), Māris Žagars (piano) and Jānis Ruņģis (guitar)
19:00 Victory Park, on Bāriņu Street between Hermaņa Street and Uzvaras Boulevard
Event - Saules mūžs