Latvia turns 108 on Wednesday, and 18 November in Riga is packed from breakfast to midnight, Riga Talk reported.
Based on the holiday schedule released by the Riga Council, the city observes the 108th anniversary of the founding of the Republic of Latvia on Wednesday, 18 November 2026, featuring a military procession on the 11. novembra krastmala starting at 1:30 PM alongside a nighttime concert and light display at Freedom Square. Public transport is free on the day.
President Edgars Rinkēvičs reviews the parade while Navy commander Captain Gvido Ļaudups commands it.
Flag parties from 18 allied countries march behind the Latvian colour guard, and 50 Italian Bersaglieri close the marching column. The new 155 mm Morana wheeled artillery system rolls for the first time. Assuming favorable weather conditions, the aerial display features an airBaltic Airbus A220-300 bearing the Latvian national flag design together with a pair of Belgian fighter jets participating in the NATO Baltic Air Policing assignment.
Morning Marches and Naval Displays
Starting at 7:30 AM and running until 11:00 AM, university student societies parade from the main University of Latvia building located at Raiņa bulvāris 19 toward the Brothers’ Cemetery. Traffic holds affect the route along Brīvības iela, Miera iela and the Brasa overpass.
Military kit goes on show at Riga Passenger Port from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Five Latvian Navy vessels and the Lithuanian Navy ship Skalvis open to visitors, alongside mine-hunting underwater drones and diving gear, according to the National Armed Forces.
Torchlight march leads to Freedom Square concert
A torchlight march leaves the Kārlis Ulmanis monument at 6:00 PM. The procession follows a path along Raiņa bulvāris, Krišjāņa Barona iela, Aspazijas bulvāris, Meierovica bulvāris and Krišjāņa Valdemāra iela before returning to Raiņa bulvāris.
On Freedom Square, folklore and old-combat group Vilkači warm things up until 6:45 PM. At 7:00 PM, the Brīvības ainavas (Landscapes of Freedom) concert starts on a stage built as a giant tree. The stage morphs through eight landscapes of the Latvian Cultural Canon with light and video.
Musical items are presented by Aija Andrejeva, Asnate Rancāne, Dagnis Roziņš, Rihards Mačanovskis, the vocal ensemble Neaizmirstulītes, and the trio Oranžās, with hosting duties managed by actors Līga Zeļģe and Mārtiņš Brūveris.
President Rinkēvičs delivers an address before the national anthem at 8:00 PM. Running from 8:10 PM until 11:00 PM, a light display lasting four to five minutes is staged every 10 minutes, while the 52 illumination installations of Staro Rīga brighten both shores of the Daugava river.
Transport and Street Closures
Riga Council says public transport is free on the holiday. Extra trams, trolleybuses and buses run from 5:00 PM until about midnight. Buses 12, 22 and 34 change routes during closures, and vehicles running on Raiņa bulvāris during the torch march divert via Elizabetes iela and Satekles iela.
The 11. novembra krastmala closes from Akmens Bridge to Muitas iela starting at 3:00 PM on Tuesday until 6:00 PM on Wednesday.
Old Riga closes to cars from 1:00 PM to midnight on the 18th, except for vehicles with special access. Aspazijas bulvāris and Meierovica bulvāris close from 6:00 PM to midnight, public transport excepted. AB dambis is closed to cars and pedestrians from 7:00 AM until the parade ends.
Historical Context of Latvian Independence
Every year on November 11, Latvia celebrates Lāčplēsis Day to commemorate those who fought for independence. On this day in 1919, the Latvian army defeated the forces of Pavel Bermondt-Avalov during the battles for Riga.
Following the proclamation of independence on November 18, 1918, the newly formed state confronted various military forces.
Data provided by the Latvian National Armed Forces indicates that the Bermont conflict resulted in the deaths of 743 Latvian military personnel, which included 57 officers. Lighted candles and flowers at memorials serve as reminders of the country’s struggle and cost of freedom.
Where to watch the parade and light shows
Where can viewers watch the military parade if they cannot attend in person?
Latvian Television and Latvian Radio carry the military parade live from the embankment.
What time does the evening light show run on Freedom Square?
A four-to-five-minute light show repeats every 10 minutes from 8:10 PM to 11:00 PM on Freedom Square.
Which naval vessels are open to the public during the holiday?
Five Latvian Navy vessels and the Lithuanian Navy ship Skalvis are open to visitors at Riga Passenger Port from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM.