Celebrations of 88th anniversary of proclamation of Latvia

Photo by Anda Kukemilka, Tēvijas sargs

18.11.2006

On this day in 1918 the Republic of Latvia was proclaimed as an independent state. In a favourable situation in the wake of World War I, Latvian political groups realised their dream of establishing an independent state. The first period of existence of the Republic of Latvia lasted up to June 17, 1940, when Soviet forces occupied the country. More than 51 years passed before the independent Republic of Latvia was restored - on August 21, 1991 and November 18 was again celebrated as the Independence Day of Latvia.

Internet portal http://www.latviesi.com/ has gathered information from 22 countries all around the world, where different events will take place to celebrate Proclamation Day of Latvia at November of 18. USA will host Latvian musicians, art exhibitions and Latvian politicians for wide fests in Chicago, New York, Los Angeles and Cleveland. Latvian embassy in Belgium has planned to organize the party with the most popular radio DJ of Latvia Artis Volfs. Ambassador of Latvia in Estonia has invited to a meeting with famous Latvian poet Knuts Skujenieks and composer Uldis Fridrihsons. Wide range of programme will be available also in Israel, Great Britain, Australia, Germany, Ireland, Russia and elsewhere.

For more detailed programme of events throughout the world please contact editor of web-site http://www.latviesi.com/: Mr. Indulis Berzins: redakcija@latviesi.com

National Independence Day celebration in Riga on November 18:

10:00 Ecumenical service at the Dome Cathedral

11:10 Flower laying ceremony at the Freedom Monument

12:00 Particiption in the ceremonial meeting of the Parliament

14:00 Military parade of the National Armed Forces at the embankment of the 11th November

20:00 Celebratory address of the State president at the Monument of Freedom

21:00 Festive illumination at the embankment of the 11th November

21:30 Festive concert and reception hosted by the State president and Mr Im.Freibergs

Celebrations abroad:

France

On 18 November, the Latvian Association in France will host a ceremonial event in Paris.

On 20 November, the Latvian Embassy in France will host a reception on the occasion of awarding the Order of the Three Stars to the French Ambassador to Latvia, Michel Foucher.

On 24 November, a concert by the Latvian pianist Liene Circene and a reception will be held at the French Senate in honour of the national holiday.

Norway

On 18 November, celebrations for the Latvian community in Norway will be held at the Ris congregation house, with a performance by the folklore group Dandari.

Geneva

On 18 November, Latvia's Permanent Representation to the UN will host a festive celebration at the Ambassador's residence. Latvians who live in Switzerland and in the vicinity of Geneva, altogether about 50 people, have been invited to the event.

United States

On 18 November, the Latvian Ambassador to the U.S., Maris Riekstins, will address guests at a ceremonial event at the Latvian Cultural Centre in Rockville. On 19 November, Ambassador Riekstins will address another festive event organized by the Latvian Association in Los Angeles.

Bonn 

On 18 November, a concert and a reception with festive addresses will be organized by the Latvian Consulate in Bonn.

The Netherlands

On 18 November, Amsterdam will be the venue for the national holiday celebration organized by the Latvian association Latvija. Ambassador Baiba Braze will deliver an opening address for representatives of the Latvian community.

Ireland

On 18 November, the Latvian Embassy in Ireland, in co-operation with the Latvian Association in Ireland and the Latvian Association for the Latvians in Ireland, will host a joint celebration to mark the anniversary of the proclamation of the Republic of Latvia.

New Zealand

On 18 November, the Latvians who reside in Christchurch will meet for a joint celebration at the Latvian Centre. The programme includes a church service, the reading of the letter of congratulation from the President of Latvia, festive addresses, a ceremonial reception, and a festive evening celebration.

Sources: Chancery of the President of Latvia, The Latvian Institute, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Latvia