Lāčplēsis Day is celebrated as the Latvian Army's victory over Bermondt troops on November 11, 1919. The enemy failed to capture Rīga and it was a turning point in the War of Independence. During the Bermondt affair, the Latvian Army lost more than 700 soldiers.
It was one of the most difficult times in Latvia's history. Despite the declaration of an independent Republic of Latvia on November 18,1918, German and Russian troops were still in the country. in October 1919 Colonel Bermondt of the Tsar Army announced his intention to take Riga and conquer Latvia. The small Latvian army, which had only begun to form, was able to defeat the much larger and better-armed enemy with limited resources. The decisive attack on Bermondt's troops began on November 9, and on November 11, they were deferred from the capital.
Remembering events 104 years ago and commemorating fighters who have fallen for Latvia's freedom during the Bermondt affair, the War of Independence, and other military conflicts, the Remembrance fire will burn till November 11.
We have published a guide of commemorative and festive events in the capital as Lāčplēsis Day and Independence Day approach.
