Latvia Independence Day
BOOK HOTELS & FLIGHTS
Book stays for Latvia Independence Day
AREA
OneSliders may earn a commission if you book through Booking.com.
- 1918Latvian People's Council proclaims the Republic of Latvia in Riga
- 1940Soviet occupation — Latvia incorporated into the USSR
- 1991Independence restored after the Baltic independence movement
Why Latvia celebrates 18 November
On 18 November 1918, the Latvian People's Council proclaimed the Republic of Latvia in Riga, ending centuries of foreign rule — first by German crusading knights, then Poland-Lithuania, then Sweden and finally Russia. The declaration came at the end of World War I as the Russian Empire collapsed, creating a window for Baltic self-determination.
Latvia maintained its independence until 1940, when it was occupied by the Soviet Union following the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact. The occupation — which included mass deportations of Latvians to Siberia — is central to national memory. Independence was restored in August 1991 as the Soviet Union dissolved, with Latvia one of the first republics to break free.
Independence Day is marked with the largest public gathering of the year in Riga. The main ceremony takes place at the Freedom Monument — Brīvības piemineklis — in the centre of the city. A torchlight procession, fireworks over the Daugava River and a state concert complete the celebrations. The national colours of dark red and white are everywhere.
- 202618 November 2026 · Wednesday
- 202718 November 2027 · Thursday
- 202818 November 2028 · Saturday
The Latvian flag has three horizontal bands — dark crimson red, white and dark crimson red. The specific shade of dark red is known as Latvian red and is one of the most distinctive colours of any national flag. The design was used by a Latvian tribal confederation in the 13th century and was formally adopted in 1918.
Latvian cuisine is Baltic in character — hearty, based on rye bread, pork, dairy and root vegetables, with strong Scandinavian and German influences from centuries of northern European trade.
What to eat
RupjmaizeDense dark rye sourdough bread — the cornerstone of Latvian food culture, eaten at every meal.
Grey peas with baconPelēkie zirņi — grey field peas fried with smoked bacon and onion — a Latvian Christmas and celebration dish.
SkābputraFermented barley porridge — an ancient Latvian staple still eaten as a breakfast in the countryside.
KotletesLatvian-style meat patties with onion — served with boiled potato and pickled cucumber.
SpeķraušiBacon-filled rye bread rolls — the definitive Latvian bakery product for outdoor events.
KūkaLatvian layer cake — sponge with cream and fruit in season, decorated with whipped cream.What to drink
Riga Black BalsamBitter herbal liqueur made to a 18th-century recipe — drunk neat or in hot tea on cold evenings.
AlusLatvian beer — Aldaris and Valmiermuiža are the best-known brands of a strong craft beer scene.
KvassFermented rye bread drink — slightly tangy and fizzy, sold in glasses on Riga's streets in summer.Latvia culture
Latvian culture is defined by the Song and Dance Festival — the largest choral event in the world by some measures — and by a landscape of forests, amber coastline and medieval Hanseatic cities.
Song and Dance FestivalUp to 40,000 performers in a once-every-five-years event — central to Latvian national identity since the 19th century.
Freedom MonumentThe 1935 monument in central Riga — where the independence proclamation ceremony takes place each 18 November.
Jāņi midsummerLatvian midsummer festival — bonfires, flower crowns, oak garlands and singing through the shortest night.
Riga Art NouveauRiga has more Art Nouveau buildings than any other city in the world — its centre is a UNESCO World Heritage site.