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Get ready to celebrate the independence of a beautiful Baltic country on November 18th, known as Latvia Independence Day! This day marks the anniversary of Latvia's declaration of independence in 1918, after being under foreign rule for centuries. It's a time to honor and celebrate Latvian culture, traditions, and history. From traditional folk songs and dances to delicious cuisine and stunning landscapes, Latvia has so much to offer. So let's raise our glasses and toast to this special day filled with pride and joy for the Latvian people!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1918</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Latvia's Declaration of Independence</div><div class='timeline-text'>On November 18, Latvia declared its independence from Russia and Germany, ending centuries-long foreign rule.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1940</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Soviet Occupation</div><div class='timeline-text'>Latvia was forced into the Soviet Union and endured a harsh Soviet regime leading to loss of its de facto independence.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1988</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Latvian National Independence Movement</div><div class='timeline-text'>Public demonstrations began advocating Latvian autonomy, marking the beginning of the National independence movement against Soviet rule.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1990</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Reinstating Independence</div><div class='timeline-text'>Latvia's parliament voted to restore independence, starting a transitional period to full independence which faced significant opposition from the USSR.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1991</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Full Independence Restored</div><div class='timeline-text'>Following an unsuccessful Soviet coup attempt, Latvia's independence was fully restored and recognized by the USSR.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1998</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Celebration of Independence Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>Latvians celebrated November 18 as the Latvia Independence Day with public recognition for the first time since regaining independence.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a parade</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Join in the festivities by attending a local parade to celebrate Latvia's Independence Day. Watch as colorful floats and performers pass by, showcasing the country's culture and history.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a traditional Latvian feast</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Invite friends and family over for a traditional Latvian feast, complete with dishes like grey peas and bacon, potato pancakes, and cranberry kissel. It's a great way to experience the country's cuisine and celebrate together.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Decorate with Latvian flags</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Deck out your home or workplace with Latvian flags to show your pride and support for the country's independence. You can also use traditional Latvian colors of red, white, and black in your decorations.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Learn Latvian phrases</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take the opportunity to learn some basic Latvian phrases and practice them with friends and family. Not only is it a fun way to celebrate, but it also shows respect for the country's language and culture.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Watch a Latvian film</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather some friends and watch a Latvian film that showcases the country's history or culture. It's a great way to learn more about Latvia while also celebrating its Independence Day.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It celebrates Latvia's independence</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Independence Day is a time to remember and honor the hard-fought battle for Latvia's freedom. It marks the day when the country declared its statehood in 1918, after being under foreign rule for centuries. It's a day to celebrate Latvia's resilience and determination as a nation.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It brings people together</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Latvia Independence Day is an important national holiday that unites people from all walks of life. From parades and concerts to traditional ceremonies and family gatherings, this day encourages citizens to come together and celebrate their common identity and heritage.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It promotes national pride</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Independence Day serves as a reminder of Latvia's past struggles and achievements. It instills a sense of pride and patriotism in citizens, encouraging them to continue building a strong and prosperous nation. It also allows them to reflect on how far their country has come and look towards a bright future.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Latvia Independence Day is Two-Time Independence</h3><p class='facts-content'>Latvia celebrates its Independence Day twice a year, once on May 4 to commemorate the country's independence from Soviet Russia in 1990 and again on November 18 for its initial sovereignty claimed in 1918 from Russian and German occupation.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Riga, the Capital, is a Host to Grand Festivities</h3><p class='facts-content'>The capital city Riga plays host to the grandest celebrations on Independence Day, including a grand military parade, various musical performances, and an impressive firework display over the River Daugava.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Traditional Folk Dances Are Common on Latvia Independence Day</h3><p class='facts-content'>Latvians honor their heritage on Independence Day by performing traditional folk dances. These displays of cultural heritage are significant events in Latvia's festivities.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>An Awards Ceremony Recognizes Outstanding Citizens</h3><p class='facts-content'>On Latvia's Independence day, an annual awards ceremony is held where distinguished individuals who've made significant contributions to the country are recognized with decorations and orders bestowed by the President of Latvia.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Outdoor Candlelight Gatherings are a Unique Tradition</h3><p class='facts-content'>Outdoor candlelit gatherings are a significant part of celebrating Latvia's Independence Day. These gatherings represent unity and the indomitable spirit of Latvians. It's a symbolic celebration acknowledging the country's struggle to maintain its independence.</p></div></div>
Latvia Independence Day is celebrated on November 18 every year. In 2024 Latvia Independence Day will occur on a Monday.
2023
Nov 18
Saturday
2024
Nov 18
Monday
2025
Nov 18
Tuesday
2026
Nov 18
Wednesday
2027
Nov 18
Thursday
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