Day of the Restoration of Independence of the Republic of Latvia

Latvia declared independence from the Russian Empire on November 18, 1918, but was forcibly incorporated into the Soviet Union in 1940. During the period of Soviet rule, Latvian independence was suppressed. In the late 1980s, the Baltic states saw a resurgence of national movements. On May 4, 1990, the Supreme Council of the Latvian SSR adopted the Declaration of Independence, restoring Latvia's de facto independence from the Soviet Union. This declaration was based on the legal continuity of the 1922 constitution, asserting that the Soviet annexation was illegal. The road to full restoration was completed with the final withdrawal of Soviet troops in 1994.

The day begins with official ceremonies at the Freedom Monument in Riga, where the President and other dignitaries lay flowers. The Latvian flag is prominently displayed everywhere. There are concerts, cultural events, and speeches celebrating national identity and freedom. In schools and communities, people participate in educational activities about the independence movement. Many also attend church services or gather with family. Traditional Latvian foods such as rye bread, grey peas with bacon, and layered rye bread dessert (rupjmaizes kārtojums) are commonly enjoyed.

The Day of the Restoration of Independence is a crucial national holiday that marks the peaceful reestablishment of Latvian sovereignty after decades of occupation. It symbolizes the resilience and determination of the Latvian people to regain their freedom and democracy. The holiday serves as a reminder of the importance of national unity and the value of independence.