Known locally as 'Lāčplēša diena' or Lacplesis day, after the mythical hero of Latvian folklore, it is traditional to light a candle and think of the fallen, with the most famous example being the thousands of candles placed each year by members of the public along the walls of Riga Castle.
Now Latvians - and others - across the globe are being invited to participate virtually via a special app available on Latvia's official Facebook page.
A campaign called ‘Light a Candle’ allows people residing abroad to take part in the commemoration events by remotely ‘lighting’ a candle near Rīga Castle on November 11. While the request to light a candle may be performed remotely, a real candle will be lit for every request received.
"The app was created for Latvians residing abroad, so they could participate in one of the most patriotic Latvian events of the year, thus maintaining ties with their homeland. Foreigners with a love for Latvia are also welcome to use it," Krisjanis Ozols of the Latvian Institute, which is behind the initiative, told LSM.
You can find the app on Latvia's official Facebook page "If you like Latvia, Latvia likes you" which also contains information about the history and meaning of Lacplesis day.
