History
Book shows Latvian traditional skirts; they had pockets!
Book shows Latvian traditional skirts; they had pockets!
The Latvian National Museum of History (LNVM) has launched a new book “Skirts in Latvia in the early 19th-20th century”. It's a voluminous study devoted specifically to this traditional clothing. The book compiles 500 types of skirts, part of the museum's clothing and textile collection that covers all regions of Latvia.
Latvian architects plan creative centenary celebrations
Latvian architects plan creative centenary celebrations
This year, in 2024, the Latvian Association of Architects (LAB) is celebrating its centenary. To mark the special occasion, members of the Association have prepared a special offer for schools, universities, media, non-governmental organizations, state institutions, companies and other interested parties, by dedicating
100 minutes of their time to a social activity free of charge.
'Christmas battles' remembered after 107 years
'Christmas battles' remembered after 107 years
Ceremonies took place January 6 to mark 107 years since the 'Christmas Battles', which mark an important milestone in Latvia's national history. President Edgars Rinkēvičs was in attendance alongside other high officials.
Porcelain exhibition shows little-known page in Latvian, Estonian history
Porcelain exhibition shows little-known page in Latvian, Estonian history
What do Latvians have in common with Estonians? A lot, and among the many things it is the 60s, 70s and 80s porcelain. The dishes made by the Riga Porcelain Factory were taken to be painted by the northern neighbors. Examples are currently displayed at the Porcelain Museum in Riga in the exhibition “Riga and Tallinn meets”, Latvian Radio reports.
Daugavpils says Soviet-related street names will remain
Daugavpils says Soviet-related street names will remain
A year has passed since the Society “Center for Public Memory” called on the city of Daugavpils near the Russian border to change street names associated with the Communist regime, but the city has stated the names will not be changed, LRT+ reported December 8.
Dictionary of Latvian surnames available online
Dictionary of Latvian surnames available online
After more than five years of work, an electronic dictionary compiling and systematizing Latvian surnames has been made available to the public, the Latvian Language Agency reported on November 24.
VIDEO: Independence Day ceremony at Freedom Monument
VIDEO: Independence Day ceremony at Freedom Monument
Latvian Television is provding live coverage of one of the key events of Latvia's Inependence Day on November 18 – a ceremony at the iconic Freedom Monument in the heart of Rīga and the heart of the country. 
Watch Latvian Independence Day parade on November 18
Watch Latvian Independence Day parade on November 18
On November 18 at 13:30 local time (11:30 GMT) in Rīga, the traditional military parade dedicated to the 105th anniversary of the proclamation of the Republic of Latvia will be held by the armed forces of Latvia and allies.
What is hidden under St Jekabs' Cathedral in Rīga?
What is hidden under St Jekabs' Cathedral in Rīga?
Archaeological excavations in Riga's Svētā Jēkaba (Saint Jacob) Cathedral have lasted for five years. During them, amazing scenes and facts were discovered, including a real "bone chamber" or ossuary and several significant burials. 
Latvian independence day events in the regions
Latvian independence day events in the regions
While the largest events connected to Latvia's independence day on November 18 are inevitably found in the capital city, Rīga, the smaller cities and far-flung regions of the country also offer plenty of celebratory opportunities. Here is a selection. It is far from comprehensive, so to find more, check your local municipality's website.
Latvian independence day events in Rīga
Latvian independence day events in Rīga
On November 18, Latvians celebrate their independence day in numerous ways with events inside Latvia itself and abroad. Here are some taking place in the capital city, Rīga, and you can expect similar ceremonies, concerts and celebrations in many other towns and cities.
Relocation of writer, politician Vilis Lācis' monument considered
Relocation of writer, politician Vilis Lācis' monument considered
Riga councilors are considering reorienting or moving the writer Vilis Lācis' Monument in Meža Cemetery. Originally the monument was installed with only one purpose – obscuring the view of the monument of the first President of Latvia, Jānis Čakste, Latvian Television reported November 12.
VIDEO: Lāčplēsis Day in Latvia
VIDEO: Lāčplēsis Day in Latvia
LTV is providing extensive coverage of Latvia's day of remembrance for its fallen soldiers and freedom fighters, with one of the highlights being the traditional lighting of candles at the walls of Rīga Castle. You can see what it looks like in the video below.
'Corner house' faces uncertain fate yet again
'Corner house' faces uncertain fate yet again
For several years, the exhibition of the Museum of Occupation in the former KGB building or 'corner house' has been one of the most popular foreign tourist attractions. But the museum occupies only a small part of the building. The rest is empty and requires urgent work at the moment – if not, the museum might face closure, Latvian Television's 'Culture News' reported November 9.
Occupation museum calls to light up 'corner house' in Rīga
Occupation museum calls to light up 'corner house' in Rīga
The darkest time of the year in Latvia is also the time of the festival of light and freedom. The Museum of the Occupation of Latvia invites the public to light up the dark 'corner house' and commemorate those who once sacrificed freedom on behalf of Latvia by donating a flashlight that will be placed in the windows of the building from November 11 to 18.

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