Every year on May 4, Latvia celebrates the day when in 1990 the Supreme Council of the Latvian SSR adopted the Declaration "On the Restoration of Independence of the Republic of Latvia" and Latvia became an independent state, free from Soviet rule after 50 years of occupation. On this day, numerous events take place all over the country.
On May 4, 1990, the Supreme Council of the Latvian SSR adopted the Declaration "On the Restoration of Independence of the Republic of Latvia" and renewed the 1922 Constitution of Latvia. The USSR army’s entry into Latvia on June 17, 1940 was declared an international crime against the Latvian state. The Supreme Council declared Latvia an independent and democratic state and set a transition period for restoring de factor Latvian rule. The Constitution was fully restored by the first assembly of the fifth Saeima, and this fact was subsequently announced to the administrations of the USSR and other countries.
An extensive and varied program of events takes place each year on this day. Ecumenical services take place, and a solemn flag-raising ceremony is held at Riga Castle. The most important events are attended by the highest state officials. The highest national awards are also presented on this day. Various festive concerts also take place throughout the day, with the main activities taking place in Freedom Square and Town Hall Square.