November 11 is the date when Latvia remembers its fallen soldiers. It is one week ahead of the national independence day holiday on November 18.
Some MPs and businesses objected against adding November 11 to the holiday calendar, saying it'd make business less competitive in the region. The Finance Ministry estimated it would cost the state €8.6 million in unpaid taxes.
Others said May 1, Labor Day, could be crossed off the holiday calendar to make up for the step.
Latvia has a total 15 holidays each year, with an extra day off squeezed in every five years when the closing concert of the Song and Dance Festival is held.
