On 18 November, the 107th anniversary of the proclamation of the Republic of Latvia, a wide programme of events is expected in the capital.
This year, on 18 November, we will celebrate the 90th anniversary of the Freedom Monument, the symbol of our nation’s freedom. The monument was unveiled on 18 November 1935. At this year’s ceremony, we will invite visitors to appreciate the heritage we have been given, a free country and its symbol, the Freedom Monument, because neither would exist without the active involvement of the people and without passing this heritage from generation to generation.
On 18 November at 19.00, families are invited to take the floor in the festive concert “Heritage” at Freedom Square, thus highlighting our most important heritage and its passing to future generations.
Their favourite songs on the festive stage will be performed by families: Ance Krauze with daughters Bille, Elza and Kate, Māris Grigalis with sons Mārcis, Kristers and Ralfs, Juris Kaukulis with daughter Rūta, Gints Grāvelis with son Krišs, Kaspars Zemītis and Anda Zemīte with sons Kārlis, Mārtiņš and Jēkabs. Pianist and composer Jānis Strazds will lead the accompanying ensemble.
At 20.00, the President of Latvia, Edgars Rinkēvičs, will give a speech and the Latvian National Anthem will be played, followed by a laser, sound and light performance with repeats every hour until 23.00.
Celebration concerts in the neighbourhoods
On the day of the celebration, Riga residents and guests are invited to attend concerts dedicated to Latvia’s birthday. The concert “Latvian Sound Patterns” will take place at VEF Culture Palace at 15.00, featuring the Riga Orchestra, soloists Mārcis Auziņš and Kārlis Auziņš, and conductor Valdis Butāns.
In the meanwhile, the Culture Centre Iļģuciems will host a festive concert “Latvian Classics and Modern Times”, featuring soloists of the Latvian National Opera, Inga Šļubovska-Kancēviča and Rihards Mačanovskis.
In turn, at 16.00, the concert “Rock Symphony for Latvia” will take place at the Palace of Culture Ziemeļblāzma with musicians Ēriks Upenieks (guitar), Gundars Lintiņš (drums), Miķelis Vīte (drums), singer Juris Vizbulis and dancer Anna Keita Kreicšteina. The light score was prepared by Egīls Kupčs. The concert will feature works by rock classics and contemporary composers.
The concert “You are my land. You are my Latvia” will be held at the Culture and Folk Art Centre Mazā ģilde at 17:00, featuring the mixed choir Sonore and the Kuldīga Culture Centre chamber choir Rāte. The concert will be presented by Latvian National Theatre actor Egils Melbārdis, soloist Inese Krūmiņa and instrumental group – Raimonds Kalniņš (percussion), Rūdolfs Ozols (guitar), Andris Grunte (bass guitar), with composer Valdis Zilveris at the piano. The Artistic Director of the concert is Andis Groza.
In the meantime, at 19.00, the Culture Centre Imanta invites to the concert “Inspired for Latvia” by Mirage Jazz Orchestra, the mixed choir Muklājs from the Culture Centre Iļģuciems of the Pardaugava Culture Association and its artistic director Jānis Kokins.
You can also go on a musical journey of emotions at the Vagonu Zāle, 21 Vagonu Street, where Erna Daugaviete, the Strazdumuiža club brass band and Imants Daksis with the band Pasaules gaisma will perform. Tickets for this concert are available at ticketshop.lv, while free invitations to the concerts at VEF Culture Palace, Iļģuciems Culture Centre, Ziemeļblāzma Culture Palace and Imanta Culture Centre are available from 11 November at 10.00 at Biļešu paradīze box offices and bilesuparadize.lv.
Concerts at Riga Art Nouveau Centre and Ave Sol Concert Hall
The concerts “Music for Latvia” will be held at 13.00 and 15.00 in the museum Riga Art Nouveau Centre with the participation of students of Jāzeps Vītols Latvian Academy of Music. Entrance with a valid museum ticket. Registration is required by writing to the following e-mail address jugendstils@riga.lv or calling at +371 67181465.
At 17.00, the folklore and ancient wrestling group Vilkači will present their concert “Tempered by Fire” at the Concert Hall Ave Sol. The concert will feature Latvian folk songs reflecting the rhythm of Latvian life, the virtues of soldiers, love of country and selfless struggle for freedom.
Likewise, from 15 to 18 November, the Staro Rīga 2025 Light Festival will be held.
You can find out more about national celebration month events in Riga on the website www.kultura.riga.lv and by following the information on the Riga City Council’s social media pages “Rīga” and “Rīgā notiek”.
Information was prepared by Ineta Miglāne, Project Coordinator, External Communication Division of the Communications Department of the Riga City Council, phone: +371 29363334, e-mail: ineta.miglane@riga.lv.