Latvian Independence Celebrations Across the Globe: New York, Tbilisi, Dublin, Milan, Bergen, Graz, and Darwin
Celebrations in New York
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The Latvian community in New York, USA, celebrated the national holiday at the local Latvian church. Latvia’s Ambassador to the UN, Sanita Pavļuta Deslandes, addressed the guests.
The event featured performances by choirs and performers from Latvian schools in New York and New Jersey, who received warm applause. Musician Arta Jēkabsone joined them to sing Uldis Stabulnieks’ song “Tik un Tā.”
Arta’s concert program “Rotā rudens, Rotā saule” included songs by Jānis Lūsēns and Raimonds Pauls, alongside original works and folk song arrangements. The atmosphere was highlighted by the song “Tumša nakte, zaļa zāle” and the premiere of a folk song arrangement called “Noriet saule vakarā.”
After the concert, attendees listened to a speech by Latvia’s President, Edgars Rinkēvičs, and enjoyed a folk dance performance titled “Ģērbies, saule, sidrabota.”
The celebration concluded with donations made to support Ukraine.
Celebrations in Tbilisi
In Tbilisi, Georgia, Latvians honored the 106th birthday of Latvia throughout Patriotic Week, starting on Lāčplēša Day with a tribute to freedom fighters. Candles were lit in a civic ceremony organized by the Latvian community and diplomats, honoring defenders of Latvia’s independence. On that day, the Foreign Ministry presented certificates of appreciation to active community members in Georgia for their contributions to strengthening society.
Significant events included the 30th anniversary of the Latvian Society “Avesol,” featuring a photo exhibition showcasing Latvian life in Georgia and the receipt of the society’s new flag, symbolizing community unity and sustainability.
On November 14, the Latvian Embassy in Tbilisi hosted a formal reception for local Latvians, partners, and friends.
Celebrations in Dublin
In Ireland, the Independence Day celebration drew nearly 200 attendees from various cities in Dublin. Inguna Grietiņa-Dārziņa, Chair of the Latvian Society in Ireland, noted that the event began with a discussion on Latvia’s founding history and events of 1918 at the National Theatre.
The concert featured the choir “eLVé” performing “Saule. Pērkons. Daugava.” and “Latvju tautu daudzinot.” Fourteen artistic groups from different Irish and Latvian cities, including Northern Ireland, participated. Honorees received the “Latvieša sirdsdarbs Īrijā” award, recognizing their vital contributions to the community. Over 70 new families, whose children performed in the concert, were also acknowledged, strengthening their connection to Latvian culture.
Celebrations in Milan
Latvians in Milan, Northern Italy, gathered for their national holiday celebration. Guests received greetings from Latvia’s ambassador to Italy, Elita Gavele, who highlighted the community’s role in preserving Latvian identity.
The event reached an emotional peak with performances from children attending Latvian schools in Milan and Bologna, showcasing poems and songs. The Milan Latvian Choir “Saule” performed a wide repertoire of choir music from Latvian composers. The theater group “Momento” presented a literary performance featuring Latvian traditions.
Celebrations in Bergen
In Bergen, Norway, about 150 attendees joined the celebration for Latvia’s birthday. The central event featured a concert with community creative groups. Guests from Latvia, including Katrīna Kovaļuka, Patriks Piternieks, and Krišjānis Brasliņš, contributed to the atmosphere.
The event relied on the effort of Bergen’s Latvian volunteers, who devoted their time and energy to make the celebration heartfelt and patriotic, supported by Ilga Švāne, the leader of the Latvian Society in Norway-Bergen.
Celebrations in Graz
The Latvian Cultural Society in Graz, Austria, brought together compatriots to celebrate Latvia’s 106th anniversary and the society’s 10-year anniversary. The event, named “Kopā būt,” honored community achievements while enjoying a festive concert.
Special guests included the mixed choir “Rīga” from Rīgas Stradiņš University. The society’s leaders expressed gratitude to all supporters and members who contributed to keeping Latvian life alive in Graz.
Celebrations in Darwin
In Darwin, the Latvian Union organized celebrations at the “Trader Bar.” Guests were greeted with cool air and freshly baked pies. The chairman, Reinis Dancis, opened the event, recognizing key local officials and friends of the Latvian community.
Dancis emphasized Latvia’s ongoing support for Ukraine and celebrated Latvian athletes’ achievements in 2024, including Kristaps Porziņģis as an NBA champion and Uvis Balinskis as a Stanley Cup winner.
Following the official remarks and a toast led by Lorija Zīo, guests watched President Edgars Rinkēvičs’ address, sang the Latvian anthem, and enjoyed a performance by the brass band “Tarnished Brass.”