Latvia is in festive mood on Wednesday, marking 102 years since the proclamation of the independent Latvian state on November 18, 1918.
History
Prime Minister Krišjānis Kariņš said on his congratulatory speech for Latvia's independence day, November 18, that the best gifts to the state this year are responsibility, respect and support.
Just a single photo remains of Latvia's November 18, 1918 independence declaration in the Latvian National Theatre building – and this testifies to the fact that it was but a single step in the country's struggle to survive.
Lāčplēsis Day is the day upon which Latvia's soldiers are honored, and though it coincides with the day upon which the end of the First World War is commemorated in many other countries, the Latvian events are subtly different, officially marking the day in 1919 when a crucial victory against allied German and White Russian forces was won in the fledgling republic, which had declared independence a year earlier.
November 11 is Latvia's day to remember those who have fallen in defense of the Latvian nation and its hard-won freedoms.
The laconic luxury of Rūmene manor offers an interesting building example, with the architects' views over the life of the aristocratic elite translated into a modern style by way of spirit, not strictly historical reconstruction.
The auction of an historic six-storey building in Rīga, Brīvības Street 61, also known as the Corner house or Tetera House, has had its starting price reduced by 20%, State Real Estate (VNĪ) said September 14.
Kalniņš, from the Latvian for mountain, then Bergs, from the German for mountain, followed by Kalniņš again – that's a plausible progression of surnames in a Latvian family history, given that many people retain surnames with Teutonic roots. Why and how did Latvians assume German surnames? Demographer Ilmārs Mežs and Imants Cīrulis of the Latvian National History Museum explain this peculiar trend in Latvian history in an interview with Latvian Radio's The Known in the Unknown program.
A memorial site for the founders of the State of Latvia and the participants in the restoration of independence has been officially opened in Likteņdārzs, Latvian Television reported September 6.
The magic of Latvian architectural heritage is hidden in its diversity. Not necessarily are buildings restored to their original appearance: they are adapted to new functions, economic and environmental aspects. One such building is the Hansa Platform (Hanzas perons) in Riga.
While performing repairs at Bauska State Gymnasium, a historic staircase has been found in the current history classroom beneath the floor, Zemgale Regional TV reported August 26.
On August 23, 1991, on the anniversary of the signing of the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact (1939), the Liepāja section of the Latvian Popular Front held a picket at the USSR's War Fleet Officers' House. That same day, the nation toppled Lenin's monument. Later, the bronze leader was remade into bells, all the funds derived from their sale donated to charity.
August 23, 2020 marks 31 years since the historical Baltic Way, also known as the Baltic chain - a human chain weaving through all three Baltic States August 23, 1989.
There are not many manor houses in Latvia whose renovation and restoration works take place patiently, at a slow pace, in a deliberately long and thoroughly planned manner. One such manor lies in Maliena, Vidzeme — the Ērmaņi Manor (Hermannshof) master’s house.
This summer Valmiera castle ruins are surrounded by construction noises. The restoration of historic walls, as well as the oldest pharmacy in the Baltic have started here, Vidzeme Television reported August 13 .
In order to mark a hundred years since the peace agreement between Latvia and Soviet Russia has been signed, neighboring foreign ministers arrive in Latvia today, while the Latvian War Museum has set up a new exhibition, Latvian Television said August 10.
The building of Dailes Theater in Rīga is a monumental example of modernism in architecture. Through changes of powers in force, the contrast of fluttering theater art and architectural boldness have remained the same.
A World War II partisan bunker has been found in the Kurzeme woods near Renda, said the Museum of the National Resistance Movement August 3. The bunker contained a number of pieces of historical evidence, now complementing the museum's display.
The town of Kuldīga, at first glance, is one of these picturesque places on tourism guide covers and postcards. But this is not just a mask: the town lives and breathes its authenticity, maintained by residents and appreciated by visitors.
Oleri Manor (Ohlershof) is a true gem of the Northern Vidzeme part of Latvia. It is especially valuable not only due to its history and visual restoration but also the work that has been put into it to revive the building as a cultural hub.
July 23, 2020 is exactly 80 years since the United States of America issued the "Welles Declaration", a document which formed the basis for the crucial and longstanding non-recognition of the Soviet Union's spurious claims to the Baltic states of Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia.
One of the darkest periods in Latvia's history is commemorated July 4: Jewish genocide memorial day.
Three large files with documents from the Committee for State Security (KGB) have been found on private property in Vidzeme region, Latvian Radio reported on July 1.
From July 1 2020, the Āraiši Archaeological Park (AEAP) visitor center will host a brand new exhibition in which the original archaeological evidence and the story of the archaeologist Jānis Apals will be open to the public, as reported by Amata municipality.
The famous castle in the town of Cēsis in central Latvia is a well-trodden site for tourists and archaeologists alike, but a new discovery shows it still has a few secrets and surprises within its ancient walls.
A calendar, historically, was not just a day-indicator: it has also tried to be an encyclopedia and an adviser for different life situations. For example, the 'Household and Medical Calendar for 1933' lists 10 commandments for tourists.
The Latvian Investment and Development Agency (LIAA) will support Mistrus Media, Latvian Television and Culture Capital Foundation co-production broadcast "Tas notika šeit" (It happened here), LIAA public relations department reported on June 15.
Ceremonies and services were taking place across Latvia June 14 remembering the thousands of people deported to Siberia by the Soviet Union.
LTV's series of short documentary films on the history of Latvia has another episode ready for you, complete with English-language subtitles.
Oskars Mežnieks, born in Rīga but succumbed to Latgale's charm, builds wood-shingle roofs and teaches the old skill to others. Latvian Television program "Pūra lāde" (The Dowry Chest) took a closer look at the master and his trade.