Restoration of Independence Day

Restoration of Independence Day (LVA) History

Restoration of Independence Day commemorates the Declaration on the Restoration of Independence of the Republic of Latvia in 1990. In 1940, during World War II, Latvia lost its independence as it was occupied by German and Soviet forces. On 4 May 1990, the Declaration of Independence was adopted with a majority vote. The Declaration also stated that it had remained sovereign throughout the time it was under Soviet occupation and that Soviet occupation had been against the will of the Latvian people.

Restoration of Independence Day is celebrated annually on 4 May.

Top facts about Restoration of Independence Day

• The restoration of Latvian independence occurred in the midst of the political turmoil that ensued as the Soviet Union fell apart.
• On the 50th anniversary of the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact, a human chain, called the Baltic Way, was formed between Tallin, Estonia, Riga, Latvia and Vilnius, Lithuania.
• On 1 May 2004, Latvia joined the European Unio. On 1 January 2014, it replaced its currency and adopted the Euro.
• The Soviet Union only recognised Latvia's independence on 6 September 1991.
• After 14 years of independence, Latvia joined the European Union in 2004, along with nine other countries in what was the largest single expansion of the EU in terms of territory, number of states, and population.

In the News and Trending in the EU for Restoration of Independence Day

Restoration of Independence Day Top Events and Things to Do

• Generate awareness on social media for the day by posting pictures of you and your friends wearing your Latvian colours with the hashtags #latvian, #independencelatvia and #RestoreIndependenceLatvia.
• Enjoy the evening fireworks in downtown Riga. They are some of the largest fireworks in the country.
• Visit important historical sites such as the Freedom Monument in Riga or the Museum of the Occupation of Latvia.
• Watch the marching band competition that takes place in front of the Freedom Monument. The competitors are all dressed in traditional Latvian clothes and colours.
• Enjoy the start of the summer season by heading into the countryside. Due to its proximity to International Labour Day, Latvians get an extra long weekend off.