4 May marks the 35th anniversary of the historic decision to restore the independence of the Republic of Latvia. The people of Latvia and visitors of the country are invited to celebrate the freedom of our country with a broad programme of events.

On 3 May, in the Brothers Kokari Hall of the Mežaparks Grand bandstand, a concert “We Are Composed” will take place. On the morning of 4 May, an ecumenical church service will be held at Riga Cathedral, and from 9:00 until 22:00 on 5 May, everyone is invited to participate in the creation of the composition “Flower Latvia” at the Freedom Monument, where spring flowers will be woven into the outline of Latvia.

On 4 May at 10:30, an official flower-laying ceremony will take place at the Freedom Monument. At 12:00, the members of the Saeima will gather at the Parliament for a ceremonial sitting. The session will be addressed by Daiga Mieriņa, Speaker of the Saeima, Edgars Rinkēvičs, President of Latvia, and Evika Siliņa, Prime Minister. Speeches by Lauri Hussar, President of the Riigikogu of Estonia, and Saulius Skvernelis, Speaker of the Seimas of Lithuania, are also planned. The proceedings will be broadcast live.

At 12:30, the “Don your folk costume in celebration of Latvia!” At 13.15, at the main entrance of the Saeima House, we will honour the members of the Supreme Council who voted for the restoration of the independence of the Republic of Latvia 35 years ago. Afterwards, at 13:30, an official ceremony will be held at the main buidling of the Saeima to demonstrate the unity of the Baltic States and solidarity with Ukraine.

Folklore group performances, a festive event and a concert “Roots that Bind” will take place in Freedom Square from 15:00 to 21:00. Addresses will be delivered by state officials. In Vērmane Garden creative workshops “Garden of Ideas” will be open to the public until 17:00, a performace of concert show “Wonder Chamber” will also be staged during this time.

35 years ago, on 4 May 1990, 138 deputies of the Supreme Council of Latvia adopted the Declaration on the Restoration of Independence of the Republic of Latvia, thereby restoring the Republic of Latvia, founded on 18 November 1918, which had not ceased to exist de jure during the 50 years of Soviet occupation. Latvia thus took a unique step in the history of Europe and the world - our nation managed to win freedom for themselves twice in one century.

For more information on the programme, please visit: https://www.saeima.lv/lv/aktualitates/neatkaribas-atjaunosanas-deklaracijai-35/ 

Saeima Press Service