Riga In Your Pocket - Independence Day Latvia
Channel: In Your Pocket City Guides
Date: 2011-11-21

http://www.inyourpocket.com
Riga In Your Pocket visits Latvia's Independence Day. On November 18, 1918, a group of Latvian intelligentsia declared their nation's independence from the disintegrating Russian Empire. Dominated by foreign powers since the arrival of Teutonic knights at the end of the 12th century, Latvians finally had their own state. Unfortunately, rogue German military units and the new Bolshevik government in Russia didn't take the declaration seriously and fighting continued until, with the help of Polish and Estonian armies, all of Latvia's enemies were expelled from the country in 1920. Independence Day is celebrated with various events and concerts in Riga, a military parade on 11.novembra krastmala, events at the Freedom Monument and a speech by the Latvian president. This year Independence Day takes place on a Friday creating a three-day weekend so you can expect plenty of celebrating in the capital starting as early as Thursday evening.

For more information check out: http://www.inyourpocket.com/latvia/riga

Shot and edited by Nienke Bos - Riga In Your Pocket