10 Best Places to Celebrate Latvia’s National Day

The National Day in Latvia is a holiday that is celebrated annually on November 18 and is one of the brightest cultural festivals in the country, as it signifies the independence of the country. There are parades, concerts, fireworks, and cultural presentations in the streets that show the rich heritage of Latvia. This is an ideal period to visit the country as a tourist as there are national day tours that will enable a tourist to enjoy a sightseeing tour coupled with the festivities. You may prefer to plunge into the local culture, experience big ceremonies, or even see the national pride with your own eyes, but Latvia has numerous places to celebrate the events.

Here the 10 best places to celebrate Latvia’s National Day for an unforgettable holiday experience.

1. Riga - Freedom Monument and Freedom Monument & City Centre

Riga is the centre of the celebration of the National Day of Latvia. The Freedom Monument is where all the wreath-laying ceremonies are held in honor of the independence of the country. The city turns into the colourful scene of the processions, military parades and cultural performances. One can see the local food stalls, folk dances, and live concerts.

2. Daugavmala Embankment

The fireworks over the Daugava River is one of the features of the National Day. The best place to be is the Daugavmala Embankment where you can see the sky lit up in celebration. Families and tourists come here to see food vendors, music and have a good time.

3. Latvian National Opera House

To the culture enthusiasts, there are special performances in the Latvian National Opera House in Riga during the period of the National Day. There are patriotic concerts and classic operas, among others that fill the venue with music and art that praises the Latvian culture.

4. Dome Square (Doma Laukums)

Dome Square is in Old Riga, and it is the center of the National Day. This is a good place to visit because there are traditional markets, street entertainments, and cultural exhibitions which make it a nice place to visit.

5. Esplanade Park

The Esplanade Park in Riga has gained fame because of its National Day festivities which include open air concerts, cultural displays as well as family entertainment. It is also one of the beautiful places to take the autumn colors and enjoy the celebration of the independence of Latvia.

6. National History Museum of Latvia

The National History Museum is the place to visit in case one needs to know the importance of the independence of Latvia. During the National Day, the museum has a tendency to organize special exhibitions and interactive activities, to which visitors are invited.

7. Mežaparks

This big green area in Riga is well known for festivals and concerts. On National Day, Mežaparks usually has concerts, folk shows and cultural events in which Latvia's traditions are presented.

8. Andrejosta Waterfront

Andrejosta Waterfront is a new district of cafes, galleries and event spaces. It becomes a hot zone of live music, food fests and art exhibitions, the contemporary twist of the celebrations on the National Day.

9. Riga castle and Presidential palace area

Official events on the National Day are held at Riga Castle, such as flag ceremonies and presidential addresses. Some of the events are formal but the atmosphere around the place is full of festive mood and therefore it is worth visiting.

10. Jūrmala Beach

Jūrmala is a perfect place to relax after the main events of the National Day, as the beaches are a nice way of enjoying the day. The locals and the visitors also enjoy their evening strolls on the beach, with bonfires and small community get-together.

Conclusion

The National Day of Latvia is not merely a day of the calendar, but a celebration of the freedom, culture, and national pride. Whether it is the big events in Riga or the smaller parties in seaside resorts, there are a million ways to celebrate this event.

The national day tour package is a great way of making sure you have a good time during this season because you can get to enjoy the parades, concerts, fireworks and cultural activities without the burden of planning. It does not matter whether you are visiting Latvia for the first time or you are returning to this beautiful country, National Day provides you with an experience that you will cherish always.