As well as speeches and parades, recent years have seen a new tradition taking root which brings friends and families together around a “white tablecloth” to share memories of the past and hopes for the future. Others make it a point to don folk dress for the day.
Latvia celebrates the 35th Anniversary of the Restoration of Independence.
We send our best wishes to all who love and support Latvia and our gratitude to friends and allies for all your support and solidarity 🇱🇻🇱🇻🇱🇻 pic.twitter.com/PgrdaxddHR
— Edgars Rinkēvičs (@edgarsrinkevics) May 4, 2025
Russia’s brutal invasion of Ukraine has caused many people to reflect on the privileges of nationhood and Latvia’s crucial memberships of the European Union and NATO.
The Latvian capital, Rīga, has a wide variety of celebratory events planned under the slogan of ‘Democracy week’ and public transport in Rīga is free all day on May 4.
Similar things will be taking place in other towns and cities, while the honor of hosting the annual military parade goes to the city of Talsi. LSM will have live coverage of events in Talsi and Rīga throughout the day.
To learn more about the events leading up to the restoration of Latvia’s independence, you might like to watch the short LTV documentary below, which gives an excellent overview of those extraordinary times.
Happy May 4 from all of us at LSM!
(The Keys to Latvian History, episode 16)
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