November 18 in Latvia: the country's birthday
Latvia turns 108 on November 18, 2026. Holiday events in Riga, Jūrmala, Liepāja, and Jelgava.
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In the final month of autumn, when Christmas and New Year are already beginning to feel just around the corner, Latvia celebrates what is arguably one of its most important holidays. Before the season of magic and gifts arrives, there is a day with a more solemn atmosphere - the Proclamation Day of the Republic of Latvia.
On November 18, 1918, the Republic of Latvia was proclaimed in the building that is now home to the Latvian National Theatre. That is why the date is often referred to as Latvia's birthday. In 2026, the country turns 108. The holiday falls on a Wednesday, offering a welcome break in the middle of the working week: November 18 is an official public holiday, with no requirement to make up the day later.
How is the holiday celebrated?
Everyone marks the day in their own way. Some spend it with family, while others head out to festive events and stroll through streets decorated with Latvian flags. Here and there, you may notice small ribbons in the colors of the national flag pinned to people's clothing, while candles glow in the windows of cafés and homes.
It does not really matter whether you spend the day at home with loved ones or among the crowds in a city square. That feeling of being part of something shared often comes from small things: a familiar song, lights glowing in the windows, a smile from someone passing by. Perhaps that is part of Latvia's quiet magic - on days like this, the whole country somehow feels warmer, more welcoming, and, in its own understated way, a little more open. Above all, there is a strong sense of unity.
For schoolchildren and their parents, the celebrations often begin even before the public holiday itself. Some schools organize concerts, while others hold quizzes about Latvia or create posters about favorite places around the country. Some students learn a song, others decorate the classroom - and it is these small preparations that help build the sense of anticipation.
Visitors to Latvia may be a little surprised by how much the atmosphere changes on days of such national importance. Tourists will also have plenty of opportunities to experience the holiday spirit - at a concert, during an evening walk, or while joining others in lighting candles.
Where to go on November 18, 2026?
Riga
- 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM — a special holiday program at Riga Castle. The National History Museum of Latvia invites visitors to Skujenieks un citi: Latvijas dibināšanas stāsti, a program dedicated to the founding of the Latvian state. Admission is free.
- 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM — an exhibition of military equipment at the Riga Passenger Port.
- 1:30 PM - 2:45 PM — a military parade along the 11 November Embankment.
- 5:00 PM - 11:00 PM — the Staro Rīga light festival. November 18 is the final evening of the festival, which runs from November 15 to 18. A good reason to take an evening walk through the city among the lights.
- 6:00 PM - 11:00 PM — a festive evening at the Freedom Monument. At 6:00 PM, the folk group Vilkači will perform, followed by the concert Brīvības ainavas at 7:00 PM. At 8:00 PM, the President's address and the national anthem will be heard, and from 8:10 PM onward, the light show Dižkoku balsis will be projected. It will be repeated several times an hour until 11:00 PM.
Full program:
https://www.riga.lv/lv/notikums/svetku-pasakumi-18-novembri
Jūrmala
- From 3:30 PM — the Gaismas ceļš, or "Path of Light." Candles will be lit across the city from the Lielupe Bridge to Ķemeri. On Jomas Street, they will be arranged into traditional Latvian patterns. Visitors are welcome to join in and bring their own candle.
- 4:00 PM — a concert by Aspazija's House in Dubulti, Z. Meierovica prospekts 18/20. Katrīna Dimanta and Rolands Zelčs will perform.
- 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM — a candle installation forming the outline of Latvia at Sloka Stadium.
- 8:00 PM — a holiday concert by the Kauguri Culture Center, Raiņa iela 110.
- 9:30 PM — a festive fireworks display at the same location.
Full program:
https://www.jurmala.lv/lv/jaunums/valsts-svetku-norises-jurmala-0
Liepāja
- 10:00 AM — Izskrien Latviju Liepājā. A group walk and run along a route shaped like the outline of Latvia. Participants can run it, walk it, or cycle the route.
- 6:00 PM — a festive concert in Jānis Čakste Square. Performers will include the band Tā kā pērn, Laima Jansone, Valters Pūce, the choir LAIKS, and the folklore group Ķocis.
Full program:
https://www.liepaja.lv/valstssvetki2026
About the route:
Jelgava
- After dark — the candle installation Mūsu ceļš in Jelgava Palace Park. In the courtyard, visitors can warm up by the fires, enjoy hot tea, and listen to music - a good reason to linger a little longer on an evening walk.
- In the evening — the free concert Lai zied gaismā, Latvija! in Duke Jacob's Square.
- In the evening — the multimedia projection Jelgavas spēka ļaudis on the tower of Holy Trinity Church. It will be repeated every ten minutes.
The exact start times for these events have not yet been specified in the published announcement.
Full program:
If you are planning to spend the holiday outdoors, make sure to dress warmly. In November, the evening chill has a way of making itself known quickly - even when the city is glowing with lights.