Ventspils will mark Lācplēsis Day and the 108th anniversary of the proclamation of the Republic of Latvia with an extensive programme of events this November. Commemorative ceremonies and a torchlight procession accompanied by singing will take place on November 11, while residents and visitors are invited to enjoy national holiday concerts, a candlelit Path of Light and a fireworks display on November 18. The Patriots' Week programme will also feature cultural and sporting events, family activities, opportunities for discovery and culinary experiences.
Lāčplēsis Day – commemorative ceremonies and the “River of Light” torchlight procession
Reklāma
On November 11 at 12:00, a Lāčplēsis Day commemorative ceremony will take place at the Forest Cemetery (Meža kapi) by the White Cross and the tomb of the unknown soldier featuring a speech given by Pastor Kārlis Irbe, a moment of silence, and a flower-laying ceremony.
From 17:30, a commemorative ceremony and the solemn oath-taking of the Youth Guard will take place at the Esplanāde beside Ventspils City Council, at the memorial stele honouring Ventspils recipients of the Military Order of Lācplēsis.
At 18:00, the torchlight procession “River of Light” (“Gaismas upe”), accompanied by singing, will set off from the Esplanāde, leading along Jūras iela, Saules iela, and Lielais prospekts to The Great Square (Lielais laukums). The procession will be accompanied by Ventspils vocal ensembles and members of the “Ventspils” Wind Orchestra.
Residents and visitors are invited to join in, bringing along a torch.From 18:30, the musical programme dedicated to Lācplēsis Day will continue in The Great Square. Performances will be given by the youth of Ventspils Technical School and Ventspils Music Secondary School, as well as the band “Bekars.”
At the same time, activities of the National Guard (Zemessardze), State Border Guard, and Youth Guard will take place in the square. Visitors are encouraged to bring a candle and participate in creating Latvian traditional signs and fire patterns.
On November 18 - concerts, the Path of Light, and festive fireworks
The program for the Proclamation Day of the Republic of Latvia in Ventspils will begin in the morning.
From The“Run or walk the outline of Latvia in Ventspils”activity will begin at 10:00. At 10:00, walkers and Nordic walkers will set off on the 11.5-kilometer route, while the run is scheduled to start at 11:18.
At 16:00, the “Latvija” Concert Hall will host a free National holiday concert “Homeland – Eternal Music” (“Dzimtene - mūzika mūžīgā”), which will feature soprano Paula Mihailova, organist Aigars Reinis, Ventspils combined choirs, and the Ventspils Chamber Orchestra, conducted by Aigars Meri. Free admission tickets will be available at the box office of the “Latvija” Concert Hall starting November 9.
At 17:30, a candlelit Path of Light will be created outside Ventspils State Gymnasium No. 1, with a concert by the school’s students adding to the festive atmosphere.
At 18:00, the Holiday concert “LATVIA – 108” will begin in The Great Square, where melodies and beloved songs from Raimonds Pauls' theater and film music will be performed. Performing alongside the band “Armaestro” will be Mārcis Manjakovs, Ērika Grāvele, Lelde Dreimane, Madara Botmane, Juris Hiršs, and Jānis Paukštello. At 19:10, the festive programme will conclude with fireworks accompanied by a medley of Raimonds Pauls’ songs.
Cultural and sporting events during Patriots' Week
The national holiday spirit in Ventspils will begin even before Lāčplēsis Day.
On November 7, the boys’ and men's Choir Singing Festival“Song. Power. Friendship. Our land Latvia!” (“Dziesma. Spēks. Draudzība. Mūsu zeme Latvija!”), will take place at the House of Creativity, a concert by the mixed choir “Kaiva”, will resound at the Ventspils Culture Centre, while the Latvian National Symphony Orchestra and Michele Gamba will perform at the Concert Hall “Latvija”.
On November 12, 11 choirs and approximately 412 singers will take part in the Ventspils school choirs grand concert “We’ll travel the roads with song and dance!” (“Dziedādami, dancodami izstaigāsim ceļus!”). The concert will feature music by Imants Kalniņš and Raimonds Pauls. Admission tickets will be required, and the concert will also be streamed live on the Ventspils city portal and the Ventspils Facebook page.
On November 14, sports fans will gather for the Latvian–Estonian Basketball league game between BK Ventspils and VEF Rīga, while families will be able to participate in the workshop “Getting to Know Latvia with Robots!” at the Science Centre VIZIUM.
On November 15, the folk dance ensemble “Liedags” will celebrate its 35th anniversary with the concert “Around the World with dance steps”, while on November 16 a free National Holiday concert by the Ventspils Music Secondary School will take place at the Concert Hall “Latvija”.
“Discover Ventspils!” photo-orienteering walk
From November 11 to 22, the Ventspils Digital Centre, in cooperation with the Ventspils Tourism Information Centre and Pūces Production, will offer a free photo-orienteering walk “Discover Ventspils!” (“Atklāj Ventspili!”).
Participants will be able to explore the city streets individually, with friends or family, using digital game clues and photographs to discover various places around Ventspils.
The starting point for the walk will be the Ventspils Digital Centre at Akmeņu iela 3, and after completing the route, a small commemorative prize will be available at the Ventspils Tourism Information Center.
Celebrate Latvia at VIZIUM with science and technology activities
This November, the Ventspils Science Centre VIZIUM will offer activities dedicated to the national holidays to families and adults.
From November 10 to 18 in the activity “Latvian Molecule”, visitors will be able to leave their wishes for Latvia, while the VIZIUM building will be illuminated in the colors of the Latvian flag during the dark hours of the day.
On November 13 at 18:00, adults can test their knowledge and ingenuity in a quiz, while on November 14, 15, and 18, families can join the workshop “Getting to know Latvia with robots!” and embark on a virtual journey through Latvian cities by programming Codey Rocky and mBot2 robots.
A special culinary offer in Ventspils this November
From November 16 to 29, cafés and restaurants in Ventspils will invite visitors on a culinary adventure, “Long Live the pork chop!” (“Lai dzīvo karbonāde!”), each offering their own special version of the pork chop.
Visitors will not only be able to discover various interpretations of this beloved dish but also participate in a prize draw. The main prize will be a 100-euro gift card, which the winner can redeem at a participating café or restaurant of their choice.
Further information about participating venues and their offers will be available from November 12 on the Visit Ventspils website and social media channels.
Nation holiday activities at Ventspils museums
Ventspils museums will also offer special activities this November.
On selected days throughout the month, visitors to the House of Crafts can weave a ribbon in Latvia’s national colours, meanwhile, the exhibition “Printed in Ventspils” (“Drukāts Ventspilī”) will remain on display at the Livonian Order Castle until November 18. It explores the first Latvian publishers and the importance of the printed word in Ventspils.
Admission to “Printed in Ventspils” will be free on November 18. The historic narrow-gauge train “Mazbānītis” will also run a special timetable at the Seaside Open-Air Museum on the national holiday.
Up-to-date information about events, tickets, venues and possible programme changes is available on www.visitventspils.com.
Information about opening hours at tourism, cultural and other venues in Venstpils on November 17 and 18 is available here.
Patriots' Week in Ventspils invites everyone to celebrate Latvia’s national holiday over several days – honoring those who faught for freedom, keeping festive traditions alive, enjoying Latvian music, exploring the city, science and museums, taking part in sporting activities and savoring Ventspils' culinary offerings.
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