https://eng.lsm.lv/ eng.lsm.lv en https://eng.lsm.lv//assets/logo/lsm_hi.png https://eng.lsm.lv/ https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/history/03.07.2026-latvia-marks-jewish-genocide-memorial-day.a653229/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Fri, 03 Jul 2026 15:53:00 GMT 653229 Ordinary people and state officials alike participated in a ceremony of remembrance for the victims of the Jewish Genocide at the memorial in Riga, at 25 Emīlijas Benjamiņas Street on July 3rd.  https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/history/02.07.2026-the-shocking-sarlotes-street-cannibalism-case-of-postwar-riga.a653561/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Thu, 02 Jul 2026 09:29:00 GMT 653561 Latvian Public Media (LSM) has launched a 'true crime' podcast of its own in response to the popularity of this often grisly genre, and things don't get much grislier than this appalling tale from postwar Latvia.  https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/history/30.06.2026-latvian-defence-ministry-to-spend-58000-euros-on-wwii-bunker.a653288/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Tue, 30 Jun 2026 12:05:00 GMT 653288 On Tuesday, June 30th, the Latvian government supported the allocation of 58 000 euros from the budget of the Ministry of Defence on the construction of a World War II bunker for a museum. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/history/30.06.2026-new-tourist-route-created-in-kuldiga.a653250/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Tue, 30 Jun 2026 09:55:00 GMT 653250 An interesting new excursion route with the name "(un)peace in Kuldīga: Living Old Town" (In Latvian "(ne)miers Kuldīgā: Dzīvā vecpilsēta") has been created, reports Latvian Radio. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/history/30.06.2026-cesis-cemetery-in-latvia-gains-international-significance.a653215/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Tue, 30 Jun 2026 07:18:00 GMT 653215 The historic Cēsis City Cemetery has been included in the list of significant European cemeteries, becoming the first and currently the only cemetery in Latvia to receive this international recognition from the Association of Significant Cemeteries in Europe, Latvian Radio reported on June 30. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/history/19.06.2026-prince-of-courland-ernst-johann-biron-dies-aged-85.a652269/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Fri, 19 Jun 2026 14:55:00 GMT 652269 Ernst Johann Biron, Prince of Courland (1940–2026), descendant of Duke Peter von Biron of Courland, passed away on the night of June 19 at the age of 85, according to representatives of Rundāle Palace. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/history/18.06.2026-hybrid-war-exhibition-open-at-latvian-occupation-museum.a651972/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Thu, 18 Jun 2026 05:25:05 GMT 651972 June 17th marks the 86th anniversary of the day Soviet troops entered Latvia on June 17, 1940, and occupied it. On Wednesday, the Museum of the Occupation of Latvia opened an exhibition prepared by historian Kārlis Dambītis, The Hybrid War Against Latvia, 1939–1940, drawing parallels with current events, Latvian Television reported. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/history/14.06.2026-june-1941-mass-deportations-remembered-across-latvia.a650642/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Sun, 14 Jun 2026 09:09:00 GMT 650642 Events are taking place across Latvia on June 14th, as they do on every June 14th, to mark the Commemoration Day of the Victims of Communist Genocide. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/history/12.06.2026-invitation-to-enjoy-european-archaeology-days-this-weekend-in-latvia.a651310/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Fri, 12 Jun 2026 15:32:00 GMT 651310 This weekend sees several European Archaeology Days events taking place in Latvia. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/history/20.05.2026-have-you-seen-the-missing-lions-of-gatarta-manor.a648045/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Wed, 20 May 2026 16:20:00 GMT 648045 An unusual appeal has been issued by an historic manor house in central Latvia: "Have you seen our missing lions?" https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/history/05.05.2026-europe-day-events-in-latvia-on-may-9th.a645642/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Tue, 05 May 2026 10:21:00 GMT 645642 Whatever may be happening elsewhere, in Latvia May 9th is celebrated as Europe Day, a day that unites people in a common understanding of peace, democracy, and cooperation, which have formed the foundation of the European Union for more than seven decades now. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/history/05.05.2026-stamp-to-mark-70-years-of-europa-stamps.a645654/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Tue, 05 May 2026 08:47:08 GMT 645654 Latvijas Pasts will issue a special stamp to mark the 70th anniversary of the "Europa" stamp series. This is part of a joint project by the European postal operators' association "PostEurop," and the stamp, featuring a unified design, will be available for purchase in 50 countries starting May 7. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/history/05.05.2026-latvian-foreign-ministry-receives-historic-gift-from-ireland.a645610/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Tue, 05 May 2026 05:54:00 GMT 645610 The Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) has received a unique document linked to the first Foreign Minister of Latvia, Zigfrīds Anna Meierovics, as a gift, reports Latvian Television. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/history/04.05.2026-latvia-celebrates-may-4th-restoration-of-independence.a645556/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Mon, 04 May 2026 08:14:00 GMT 645556 May 4th, 2026 marks exactly 36 years since the restoration of Latvia's independence after decades of Soviet occupation. On May 4th, 1990, Latvia proclaimed its independence from the USSR, and the restoration of the Republic of Latvia. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/history/01.05.2026-may-4th-events-guide-in-riga-and-aizkraukle.a645285/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Fri, 01 May 2026 07:00:00 GMT 645285 On May 4th Latvia will mark the 36th anniversary of the 1990 restoration of Latvia's independence by the Supreme Council as part of the struggle to break free of Soviet occupation and restore the independence of the Republic of Latvia, founded on November 18th, 1918. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/history/27.04.2026-saeima-conference-to-examine-the-attempted-russification-of-latvia.a643817/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Mon, 27 Apr 2026 14:31:00 GMT 643817 Latvia's parliament, the Saeima, will host a conference on Tuesday, April 28, titled “Russification and Soviet Colonialism in Latvia: Legal and Socioeconomic Aspects.” https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/history/24.04.2026-balozi-peat-train-restoration-enters-its-13th-year.a644383/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Fri, 24 Apr 2026 08:35:39 GMT 644383 Over the course of more than a decade, enthusiasts have restored the infrastructure of the Baloži peat train step by step and built up a collection of equipment. Dāvis Bušs, chairman of the board of the association "Bānīša draugu klubs," spoke to Latvian Television on 24th April about how the track restoration is progressing. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/history/16.04.2026-the-putsch-of-april-16th-1919-and-latvias-three-governments-at-once.a643181/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Thu, 16 Apr 2026 09:09:00 GMT 643181 On April 16th, 1919, during the Latvian War of Independence, German army and Baltic German volunteer units stationed in Liepāja carried out a coup against the Latvian Provisional Government, led by Kārlis Ulmanis. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/history/10.04.2026-zosna-manor-to-be-transformed-into-nature-education-centre.a642354/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Fri, 10 Apr 2026 06:53:08 GMT 642354 The Rēzekne Municipality has transferred the Zosna Manor, built 160 years ago, to the Nature Conservation Agency on a 30-year rent-free lease. With an investment of approximately five million euros, Zosna Manor will be transformed into a modern nature education centre, Latvian Radio reported on 10th April https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/history/09.04.2026-stamp-to-honour-latvian-general-goppers.a642186/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Thu, 09 Apr 2026 07:25:53 GMT 642186 Latvian Postal Service (Latvijas Pasts) is issuing a stamp and a specially designed envelope dedicated to Kārlis Goppers, a general in the Latvian Armed Forces, on the 150th anniversary of his birth, the postal service announced. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/history/29.03.2026-basement-of-bebrene-manor-will-be-reborn-as-a-new-public-space.a640898/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Sun, 29 Mar 2026 07:46:34 GMT 640898 A new public space will be created at 19th-century Bebrene Manor, located near Daugavpils. The municipality hopes that after the renovation, the manor will become a meeting place for both locals and tourists, offering events and exhibitions in a cellar and underground passage. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/history/25.03.2026-latvia-marks-mass-deportations-of-march-1949.a639737/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Wed, 25 Mar 2026 06:24:33 GMT 639737 On Wednesday, March 25th, Latvia commemorates the victims of the 1949 deportations and communist genocide. 42 thousand Latvian residents were stuffed into cattle trucks and taken to Siberia on that day. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/history/16.03.2026-16th-march-events-pass-peacefully-in-riga-latvia.a639052/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Mon, 16 Mar 2026 11:30:31 GMT 639052 A memorial march in Riga honouring Latvian legionnaires who fell in World War II concluded without incident. According to State Police estimates, approximately 200 people gathered for the march, LETA reports. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/history/10.03.2026-facelift-planned-for-latvian-occupation-museum.a638300/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Tue, 10 Mar 2026 15:23:00 GMT 638300 "Valsts nekustamie īpašumi" (VNĪ, 'State real estate') has announced a tender for the construction of an illuminated sign for the Latvian Occupation Museum and works to improve the condition of the facade. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/history/30.01.2026-wikipedia-policy-edges-baltic-history-into-russiasphere.a632339/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Fri, 30 Jan 2026 08:18:16 GMT 632339 The birthplaces of of well-known people in the Baltic states are being systematically changed on the reference website Wikipedia, reports Latvian Radio. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/history/27.01.2026-latvian-national-archives-at-risk-of-closure-due-to-heating-issues.a631731/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Tue, 27 Jan 2026 06:40:45 GMT 631731 The Latvian National Archives are facing a serious crisis. The outdated heating system is unable to heat the archive premises on Bezdelīgu Street in Rīga, and if a solution is not found, the archives may have to close, Latvian Television reported on 26th January. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/history/23.01.2026-museum-renovation-work-reveals-historic-finds-in-riga.a631324/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Fri, 23 Jan 2026 12:59:40 GMT 631324 Reconstruction and restoration works at the "Arsenāls" museum and exhibition space have revealed a series of interesting archaeological finds, according to the State Real Estate Agency (Valsts nekustamie īpašumi/VNĪ). https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/history/20.01.2026-heroism-of-the-barricades-remembered-35-years-on.a628899/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Tue, 20 Jan 2026 08:06:00 GMT 628899 Latvian officials and members of the general public alike on January 20th are commemorating the events known as the 'Barricades' and especially the people who lost their lives defending Latvia's independence. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/history/14.01.2026-communication-on-the-barricades-how-50000-people-gathered-without-the-internet.a629878/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Wed, 14 Jan 2026 07:15:00 GMT 629878 On Monday, January 20, Latvia commemorates the barricades of 1991, when people flowed into the capitals of the Baltic states and erected makeshift barricades around strategic locations like the parliament and the national radio station to protect them against Soviet troops that wanted to crush the Baltic nations' independence drive.  https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/history/12.01.2026-extensive-programme-of-barricades-remembrance-events-planned.a629571/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Mon, 12 Jan 2026 10:49:00 GMT 629571 This week sees an extensive series of events getting under way to mark 35 years since the events collectively known as the 'barricades' of 1991, when supporters of Latvian independence non-violently defended the country's freedom against military attacks and opponents of independence. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/history/10.12.2025-russification-as-the-cornerstone-of-soviet-colonisation.a625576/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Wed, 10 Dec 2025 08:02:11 GMT 625576 Two Latvian historians have produced a paper that readers may find of some interest and which is provided here as an attachment in Word Document format. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/history/02.12.2025-happy-200th-birthday-krisjanis-valdemars.a624650/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Tue, 02 Dec 2025 08:53:00 GMT 624650 If you've ever strolled along Krišjāņa Valdemāra iela in Rīga, you have probably found yourself wondering who the titular Krišjānis Valdemārs actually was and why he merits having a major street named after him. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/history/10.11.2025-why-november-11th-is-marked-as-lacplesis-day-in-latvia.a621856/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Mon, 10 Nov 2025 10:46:00 GMT 621856 November 11th is Latvia's day to remember those who have fallen in defense of the Latvian nation and its hard-won freedoms. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/history/10.11.2025-take-a-historic-lacplesis-day-walk-in-riga.a621855/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Mon, 10 Nov 2025 10:20:00 GMT 621855 Latvia marks 'Lāčplēsis Day' on 11th November – the day of a crucial victory against joint German and White Russian forces under Count Pavel Bermondt-Avalov was won by the fledgling republic of Latvia, which had declared independence a year earlier.  https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/history/18.09.2025-historian-margers-vestermanis-celebrates-his-remarkable-centenary.a614892/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Thu, 18 Sep 2025 11:37:00 GMT 614892 Congratulations are in order on September 18th to historian Marģers Vestermanis, who is celebrating his 100th birthday. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/history/15.09.2025-crumbling-kazdanga-palace-given-a-year-to-find-a-future.a614396/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Mon, 15 Sep 2025 09:16:00 GMT 614396 The residents of Kazdanga have been given a year to prove to the local government of the South Kurzeme region how much they need the abandoned Kazdanga Palace, which is crumbling before their eyes, reports Latvian Television's show 'Kulturšoks' (Culture shock). https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/history/23.08.2025-baltic-way-remembered-36-years-on.a611450/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Sat, 23 Aug 2025 07:33:00 GMT 611450 Events are taking place across the Baltic states and beyond on August 23rd to commemorate a shining landmark of peaceful protest and human dignity.   https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/history/15.08.2025-astonishing-astounding-exhibition-shows-riga-used-to-be-mysteriously-entertaining.a610562/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Fri, 15 Aug 2025 12:19:25 GMT 610562 Entertainment opportunities in 18th- and 19th century Riga were amazing and included mystery, magic, science, illusion, spectacle and, of course, show business, according to one of the curators of the new exhibition "Mystery and Illusion in Latvia from the 17th to the 20th Century", Doctor of Philology Aija Taimiņa, speaking to Latvian Radio and Latvian Television. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/history/08.08.2025-archaeological-dig-makes-significant-discoveries-in-northern-latvia.a609745/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Fri, 08 Aug 2025 13:39:00 GMT 609745 Archaeologists have discovered evidence at the Skaņkalne hillfort in Valmiera district that suggests it was inhabited much earlier than previously thought. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/history/28.07.2025-latvian-freedom-icon-lidija-doronina-lasmane-celebates-her-centenary.a608309/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Mon, 28 Jul 2025 12:55:00 GMT 608309 One of the most inspiring figures in Latvian history celebrates her 100th birthday today on July 28th, 2025. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/history/17.07.2025-historic-marciena-train-station-building-for-sale.a607095/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Thu, 17 Jul 2025 06:02:00 GMT 607095 In the last five years, Latvian Railways has sold five railway stations. Mārciena railway station has been waiting for its new owner for about a year. It was built at the beginning of the 20th century for the needs of the surrounding nobility, but has now been empty for several years. Although the property is quite large and the starting price is only a few thousand, finding an owner is not easy, Latvian Television reported on 17 July. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/history/15.07.2025-baltic-freedom-and-peace-ship-celebrated-40-years-on.a606823/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Tue, 15 Jul 2025 06:31:00 GMT 606823 On Thursday, July 24, 2025, the 40th anniversary of the remarkable voyage of the ‘Baltic Freedom and Peace Ship’ (‘Baltijas brīvības un miera kuģis’/BBMK), will be celebrated at the Latvian Occupation Museum.  The seminar will be opened by the Minister of Education and Science, Dace Melbārde, together with the heads of the embassies of Sweden and Finland. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/history/06.07.2025-cesis-castle-medieval-craft-days-begin.a605756/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Sun, 06 Jul 2025 10:01:00 GMT 605756 Bringing together the most skilled medieval craftsmen from Latvia and Estonia, the Medieval Crafts Days will be held at Cēsis Castle for the seventh time from July 6. The event will take place on the weekends of July and August.  https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/history/16.06.2025-cultural-monument-damaged-in-this-springs-rainfall-in-preili-latvia.a603367/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Mon, 16 Jun 2025 05:34:47 GMT 603367 Prolonged rainfall at the beginning of summer caused damage not only to farmers in Latgale, but also to cultural heritage sites. Excessive soil moisture and rising water levels in the ponds of Preiļi Manor Park have endangered the ruins of the manor's horse stables standing on the edge of the pond, Latvian Radio reported on 16 June. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/history/14.06.2025-communist-genocide-memorial-day-marked-across-latvia.a602670/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Sat, 14 Jun 2025 07:21:00 GMT 602670 Events are taking place across Latvia on June 14 to mark the Commemoration Day of the Victims of Communist Genocide. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/history/03.06.2025-suitu-women-celebrate-70-years-of-singing.a601592/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Tue, 03 Jun 2025 07:50:32 GMT 601592 Their bright clothes are almost as distinctive as their vocal style and powerful charisma –  the ethnographic ensemble "Suitu sievas" (Suiti or Suitu women) this year celebrates 70 years of celebrating their unique culture. anniversary on stage. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/history/02.06.2025-new-pope-is-leons-not-leo-at-least-in-latvia.a601503/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Mon, 02 Jun 2025 12:49:00 GMT 601503 When referring to the new head of the Roman Catholic church in the Latvian language, he must be called 'Leons' (Leon) the fourteenth rather than 'Leo' the fourteenth, as he will be known in most of the rest of the world, reveals Latvian Radio's show "How to Live Better".   https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/history/30.05.2025-manors-and-castles-invite-travellers-for-the-summer.a601225/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Fri, 30 May 2025 10:32:06 GMT 601225 The Latvian Castles and Manors Association is launching its annual tour, inviting you to explore 78 manor houses and their grounds from 1 June to 25 October, the association's president Roberts Grinbergs told Latvian Television's programme Morning Panorama on Friday, 30 May. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/history/16.05.2025-history-exploration-station-unveiled-in-riga-castle.a599258/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Fri, 16 May 2025 05:30:00 GMT 599258 A classroom for children and school pupils, called ‘Izziņas bēniņi’ (Attic of Exploration), has been created in the renovated premises of the Latvian National History Museum (LNVM) in Riga Castle. The fifth floor of the castle houses information zones where visitors can learn about Latvian history through games, Latvian Television reported on 15 May. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/history/13.05.2025-un-hq-hosts-baltic-history-exhibition.a598844/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Tue, 13 May 2025 12:16:35 GMT 598844 On 12th May, at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, Ambassadors of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania unveiled an exhibition titled “Lessons of World War II. The Baltic Way to UN Membership”.