Latvia, a country that is pristine in nature and in culture, is celebrating 100 years of its independence through a wide range of celebratory events and festivities that is will be taking place in the country and abroad until the year of 2021, according to The Latvian Institute, the official government organization which promotes Latvia’s positive international recognition.

“Latvia’s centenary is a very good time for us to reflect on how we were during the past 100 years and how we see ourselves over the next 100 years. Our country has become a melting pot of influences, absorbing diverse influences throughout the century and channeling these into our very own culture. During the following years, our celebrations will utilize new ways, new methods and new thinking while also maintaining our ancient roots and traditions,” explained Ieva Stare, Project Manager of The Latvian Institute’s LV100 – the country’s tourism program centered on its centenary promotions and activities.

Stare explains that the country’s strength in this new age lies within elements including its identity as a modern, innovative country, citing projects and creations that continuously upholds the country’s uniqueness and focuses on being human than being digital. Another factor is its greennovative business model which seeks to emphasize the benefits of a sustainable yet competitive development. Latvia’s society also plays the pivotal role of bringing grass-roots power to the country with each individual’s undying dedication towards bettering the country through excellence in sports, arts, and business. The balancing element to the country’s success is its essence of culture and spirituality, boosting both the economy and society through cultural practices while living in harmony with people of different religions throughout centuries.  

The Latvian Institute together with local and international organizations will exemplify the country to the world through projects such as Embrace Latvia, an oak tree planting ceremony around the border of Latvia, the formation of high quality Latvian Films for Latvia’s Centenary and the showcase of the country’s national costume through the National Costume for Everyone project. Various events are also in store throughout the four seasons of the country, including snowboarding and ice swimming during winter, birch sap tasting, hiking and bird-watching every spring, mid-summer festivals and soaking up some sun along the Baltic Sea during summer, and mushrooming and berry-picking in the forest every autumn.

2018 will see centenary highlights such the Riga Marathon, Song and Dance Celebrations, The Greenery Ball, and the Festival of Light in Riga. The culmination of the festivities will take place on 18 November, 2018, Latvia’s Independence Day.

“We look forward to welcoming tourists from all over the world through our calendar of experiences that will further introduce the vibrant city of Latvia,” concluded Stare.