On 18th November 1918, the People’s Council of Latvia proclaimed the independence of the Republic of Latvia. The state would remain independent until the Soviet occupation of the country on 17th June 1940. Latvia regained its independence 51 years later, on 21st August 1991.
There are many events in the country to celebrate the Proclamation Day. Riga, the capital city, is completely decorated for the occasion. There is a military parade, fireworks, torchlight processions and people sing the national anthem together. In Riga, where the biggest procession takes place, the route starts at the monument of Latvia’s first Prime Minister Karlis Ulmanis and ends at the Freedom Monument, where the President delivers a speech.
We didn’t want you to miss the chance to wish all Latvians a happy national day and, in case you want to practice your interpreting skills, there are some Latvian speeches at your disposal on the Speech Repository.