When is the Independence Day of Latvia?

The Independence Day of Latvia is celebrated on November 18 each year. It marks the country’s declaration of independence from German and Russian forces in 1918.

Is the Independence Day of Latvia a public holiday?

Yes, the Independence Day of Latvia is a public holiday. It is celebrated on November 18 with official ceremonies, cultural events, parades, and fireworks across the country.

History of Latvia Independence Day

Latvia’s history is deeply rooted in its early settlers, the Balts, who lived here since the ninth century. Contact with Vikings in the 12th century and the Christianization brought by the German Knights, including the Teutonic Order and Knights of the Sword, marked the start of centuries under German rule. During this time, landowning Germans held power, and the Latvian population was enserfed. Over the years, Polish and Swedish occupation shaped the region, but expansionist Russia took control in the 18th century.

By the early 20th century, Latvians were inspired by nationalism. The 1917 Russian Revolution paved the way for the November 18, 1918 declaration of independence after fighting against Germany and Soviet Russia. In 1920, Latvia secured recognition, but the Soviet Union forced a deal in 1939 for Russian military bases. The Red Army occupied in 1940. World War II brought German rule from 1941 to 1944 before Soviet control returned.

Latvia became industrialized and relatively prosperous under Soviet rule. The revolutionary period under Mikhail Gorbachev in the late 1980s led to liberalization and the restoration of independence on August 21, 1991. Today, this journey is honored with a festive counter marking the national countdown to celebrations, reflecting a proud and festive national spirit that unites the people, with each counter telling a story of freedom.

Capital of Latvia

Riga, the capital and primate city of Latvia, is home to 591,882 inhabitants as of 2025, nearly a third of the total population. The Riga metropolitan area has 847,162 people and lies at the Gulf of Riga, near the mouth of the Daugava River on the Baltic Sea. Covering 307.17 km² (118.60 sq mi) on a flat, sandy plain at 1–10 m (3–33 ft) above sea level, it was founded in 1201 and became part of the Hanseatic League.

Riga’s historical centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for Art Nouveau and Jugendstil architecture, as well as 19th-century wooden buildings. Named a European Capital of Culture in 2014 alongside Umeå, Sweden, Riga has hosted major events such as the 2006 NATO Summit, the 2003 Eurovision Song Contest, the 2013 World Women’s Curling Championship, and the IIHF Men’s World Ice Hockey Championships in 2006, 2021, and 2023.

As a member of the European Union, Riga is home to BEREC and was named European Region of Gastronomy in 2019. The city attracts 1.4 million foreign visitors annually via Riga International Airport, the largest and busiest in the Baltic States. It is also part of Eurocities, the Union of the Baltic Cities, and the Union of Capitals of the European Union. These connections add to Latvia’s festive atmosphere, with the festive counter keeping the countdown alive for locals and tourists. Every counter reflects the vibrant culture and enduring history of the city.