Latvia’s Centenary
In 2018, Latvia celebrates a hundred years since it became an independent state. With festivities at home and all around the world, Latvia will present the best it can offer in culture, lifestyle and innovation. We will explore, create and celebrate – for the prosperity of Latvia!
The Centenary celebrations will take place during the period of five years, from 2017 till 2021, year by year marking centenaries of different stages of Latvia’s path to statehood – from the historic decision of the Latgalians in 1917 to unite with the ethno-cultural regions of Kurzeme and Vidzeme to strive together for an independent Latvian state, to the actual proclamation of the Republic of Latvia in 1918, freedom fights of 1919, and up to Latvia’s international de iure and de facto recognition in 1921.
The official celebrations started on May 4, 2017 with the Embrace Latvia initiative when people around the country planted one hundred oaks along Latvia’s outer border, symbolically laying the foundation of strength for the next 100 years. It was followed by the White Tablecloth Celebration marking the anniversary of the Declaration on the Restoration of Independence on May 4, 1990, by the Supreme Council of the Latvian Soviet Socialist Republic. The vote allowed Latvia to democratically break off the Soviet rule that had lasted for 50 years.
The culmination of the Centenary celebrations will take place on November 18, 2018, the date marking Latvia’s 100th anniversary. However, a diverse cultural, educational, diplomatic and multi- disciplinary events programme will take place at home and abroad throughout all 5 years.
2017 and 2018 are the celebration years for the entire Baltic region.