This year, we will celebrate the national holiday by focusing on two values—dreams and freedom—which, although distinct, are inseparable. These themes will intertwine in the holiday concerts, honouring the historic dream of Latvian independence and the significance of today’s and tomorrow’s freedom. On Lāčplēsis Day, November 11, Ance Krauze, Zigfrīds Muktupāvels, and Jānis Strazds with his band will perform in Jānis Čakste Square. A traditional torchlight procession to the Northern Cemetery following the concert will honour Latvia’s freedom fighters. On November 18, the 106th anniversary of the Republic of Latvia, Ivo Fomins, Antra Stafecka, Laura Bulava, Roberts Dinters, and Uldis Marhilēvičs with his band will perform a festive concert.
On November 11, everyone is invited to gather in Jānis Čakste Square at 6:00 PM to celebrate Lāčplēsis Day with a festive concert. Beloved Latvian artists, including Ance Krauze, Zigfrīds Muktupāvels, and Jānis Strazds with his band, will take the stage to perform patriotic and powerful songs cherished by the Latvian people.
Starting at 6:30 PM, participants in the procession will line up, and at 7:00 PM, the traditional torchlight march will begin. This event, symbolizing respect and remembrance for Latvia’s freedom fighters, will pass through the city centre from Jānis Čakste Square to the Northern Cemetery. Locals and visitors are encouraged to join this patriotic event and bring torches to the procession.
A remembrance ceremony at the Freedom Fighters’ Memorial in the Northern Cemetery will begin at approximately 7:45 PM. A representative from the Latvian National Armed Forces, a chaplain, and Liepāja City Council officials will address attendees. Zigfrīds Muktupāvels and Jānis Strazds will enhance the atmosphere with musical performances, adding a special ambience to this historical day.
For politically repressed individuals or those unable to participate in the torchlight procession, transportation to the Northern Cemetery will be provided, with a bus departing from Alejas Street 9, near the Liepāja Lithuanian Cultural Association, at 6:45 PM. The bus will return to the Liepāja city centre around 8:30 PM after the ceremony.
On November 18, the anniversary of the Proclamation of the Republic of Latvia, a symbolic 8.5-kilometer route will start at 10:00 AM in Jānis Čakste Square, tracing the outline of Latvia. This route is suitable for both runners and cyclists.
At 11:00 AM, an ecumenical service dedicated to the anniversary of the Republic of Latvia will be held at Liepāja Baptist St. Paul’s Church, reminding us that a free nation is a gift.
At 6:00 PM in Jānis Čakste Square, we will celebrate the 106th anniversary of the Proclamation of the Republic of Latvia with a festive concert. Through stories of dreams and freedom, directed by Maija Kalniņa, Liepāja Theater actors Edgars Ozoliņš and Kaspars Kārkliņš will guide us. Meanwhile, Ivo Fomins, Antra Stafecka, Laura Bulava, Roberts Dinters, and Uldis Marhilēvičs with his band will create a patriotic atmosphere, allowing attendees to feel part of our country’s story of freedom. The concert program will include songs like “Vai Tu mani dzirdi,” “Pie laika,” “Likteņlīnijas,” “Brīvības svīta,” and others.
To make the concert accessible to a wider audience, sign language interpretation will be provided.
In honour of freedom fighters, memorials—the steles honouring recipients of the Lāčplēsis War Order—will be illuminated in Lāčplēsis Garden on November 11 and 18 from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM. This symbolic light installation offers a respectful opportunity to remember those who fought for Latvia’s freedom.
Please note that traffic restrictions will be in place during the holiday events.
Photography and video recording, including drone footage, will occur during the event. The materials will be used for event promotion and by the Liepāja Cultural Department. By attending, you acknowledge that you may be included in audio or visual materials.