NATIONAL DAY OF LATVIA

Comenius team, Mežvidi Primary School, Latvia, 2014

PEACE- People Events Around Countries of EuropeComenius project 2013-2015

THE 18TH OF NOVEMBER

This day is Latvia's National Day. It is also known as Proclamation of the Republic of Latvia and locally as 'Latvijas Republikas proklamēšanas diena'.

Latvian Independence Day commemorates declaration of independence of the Republic of Latvia from German and Russian occupation on November 18, 1918 after the end of the First World War.

History The Republic of Latvia

was proclaimed an independent state on this day in 1918 in the building that today houses the National Theater in Riga. To a standing ovation the Democratic Republic of Latvia was established.

Celebration On 18 November, various

events take place across the country throughout the day. In Riga, the capital city of Latvia, the celebration begins on the first half of the day with a parade and laying of flowers at the Freedom Monument with participation of the President of Latvia and other important government officials.

Parade

A parade of the National Armed Forces takes place in the afternoon at the 11th November Embankment

In the evening there are torchlight processions.

President’s Speech The speech by the

President of the Republic of Latvia is given before large crowds in the square by the Freedom Monument in Rīga.

Fireworks

The celebration in Riga ends with magnificent fireworks over the River Daugava.

National Day Celebration at Our School

The National Day, the 18th of November at Mežvidi Primary School is celebrated by a ceremonial concert.

The National Anthem

of Latvia “Dievs, svētī Latviju” (God Bless, Latvia!) is sung at the beginning of the concert.

Historical events are commemorated by songs, poetry, performances that are played out by the pupils.

On this day Latvians wear special ribbons made in the flag colours because our red – white – red flag is one of  the most visible Latvian symbols. The ribbon is visible on people’s clothes to mark their patriotism.

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