May 4: Restoration of Independence of the Republic of Latvia. On May 4, 1990, there were thousands of people who were following the vote at the Parliament building all day. After the vote deputies went to Daugavmala, they were greeted with flowers and loud rejoicing. And today, after 28 years, we still celebrate this day! In Riga there is scheduled a wide-ranging cultural events program, including “Brīvības Street Stories”, concerts, the creation of the composition “Flower Latvia” at the Freedom Monument, the event “Nation, Song, Costumes” in Vērmanes dārzs, the screenings of the new centuries-old Latvian films at the Splendid Palace cinema and more. On May 4, public transport in Riga is free of charge. So choose what is closer to your heart and let’s celebrate this day together!
Brīvības Street Stories
One of the biggest events will be “Brīvības Street Stories”, in which all kinds of activities will take place all the way from the Freedom Square to the Open Air Museum. In the Freedom Square everyone is invited to create the composition “Flower Latvia”, to listen to the violin orchestra defile and a concert of brass orchestras. Also to take part in the ceremony of laying flowers, enjoy the music of the “Jauno Jāņu Orķestris” and the group “Iļģi” and to attend the evening concert “Brīvības pieturas”. The visitors of the event “Brīvības Street Stories” will have the opportunity to take an excursion on the 100th bus through Brīvības Street, view the exhibitions, to attend the theatrical performances, get acquainted with the latest technologies, and also learn folk traditions and listen to musical groups and soloist performances at the venues.
Films at “Splendid Palace” & “NeatkaRiga”
As usual on this festive day, “Splendid Palace” offers Latvian film marathon. This year you will be able to watch the films dedicated to Latvia’s centenary. You will have the opportunity to watch Latvian films at the films and music event ”NeatkaRiga”, which will take place in Kalnciems quarter. If you are interested in newer or older Latvian films, this will be the place, where you will enjoy celebrating May 4th!
Activities and concerts at Vērmanes dārzs
At Vērmanes dārzs there will be a folk costume parade, folk dance festivals, the procession “Put on a national costume in honor of Latvia”. Also musical groups’ ”Kulenieki and trummelnieki”, “Ducele” performances, a folk song concert “Visas manas labas dziesmas” with soloists Ieva Kerēvica, Aija Vītoliņa, Karīna Tatarinova, Andris Ērglis and more.
Concerts
Different 4th of May concerts will take place at the cultural centres “Imanta”, “Ritums”, “Iļģuciems”, Riga Latvian Society House, at the Great Hall of the Riga Technical University, cultural palace “Ziemeļblāzma”, Latvian Society House, National Library of Latvia. So come and enjoy Latvian traditional and modern music!
