November is a special time – the month of Latvian celebrations. Two important days for our country – November 11 (Lāčplēša Day) and November 18 (anniversary of the proclamation of the Republic of Latvia) – give this time a festive mood and a deep sense of gratitude.
With red-white-red ribbons, candle flames and the warmth of our hearts, we honor those who have fought for and protected the freedom of the country, and celebrate the birthday of our country.
This year, Rēzekne will celebrate the 107th anniversary of the proclamation of the Republic of Latvia with the motto “My Latvia. My Responsibility”, inviting everyone to participate in events that strengthen the sense of belonging, cultural roots and the spirit of togetherness.
From November 4th to 19th, the Latgale Museum of Cultural History (Atbrīvošanas aleja 102) will host a photo exhibition of the 32nd Infantry Battalion of the National Guard “I am a soldier. Pīrūbeža šaltenis”. The exhibition will allow you to look into the everyday life of the National Guard and soldiers, reminding you that Latvia is protected with courage, a sense of duty and love for the homeland.
On November 8th at 7:00 p.m., a special concert “Lobs ar loba” will be held at the Rēzekne Culture House, in which dance groups from the city and region of Rēzekne, as well as Jēkabpils and Madona regions, will participate, confirming the vitality and strength of Latvian folk dance.
On November 11th, residents of Rēzekne and guests of the city are invited to commemorate the freedom fighters of Latvia. From 11:00 to 15:00, the Latgale Museum of Cultural History will host a red, white and red ribbon folding ceremony in cooperation with the National Guard and the Youth Guard. At 16:30, a moment of remembrance for those who fell in the Freedom Struggle will be held at the obelisk at the Miera Street Cemetery, followed by a service and prayer for the soldiers at the Rēzekne Jesus Heart Cathedral at 17:00. At 18:00, we invite everyone, young and old, to join the torchlight procession. By coming together on the path of light, we will commemorate and honor the heroes of the Freedom Struggle of Latvia. The meeting point for the procession will be at the Rēzekne Jesus Heart Cathedral. The procession will lead to the monument “United for Latvia”. We invite you to bring torches and candles. At At 18.20, a wreath-laying ceremony, a moment of remembrance and a ceremony to take the oath of office of the National Guard will take place at the monument. Musical entertainment will be provided by the wind orchestra “Rēzekne” (conductor Aleksandrs Maslovs), the folklore ensemble “Rūta” (conductor Ilze Mežniece) and the Puncuļi brothers.
On November 14th at 3:00 PM, the Latgale Museum of Cultural History will open an exhibition of Latgale artists’ works “AUTUMN 2025” (Kamols/Komuļs) – a rich and diverse view of the creative spirit of today’s Latgale.
On November 15th at 4:00 PM, the Rēzekne Culture House will host a concert “Dedication to Latgale”, featuring the Latgale United Accordion Orchestra, while at 6:00 PM, the Latgale Embassy GORS will host a concert “Call for Your Land”, featuring singer Miks Galvanovskis (tickets available at the GORS box office).
On November 16th at 4:00 PM, Antra Stafecka and Ingars Viļums will entertain the audience at the Latgale Embassy GORS concert “My Heart of My Land” (tickets available at the GORS box office).
On November 17th at 4:00 p.m. at the Rēzekne Culture House, the city’s amateur art groups will participate in the festive concert “My Latvia – on its birthday!”, giving a heartfelt greeting to the homeland on its birthday.
The morning of the national holiday will begin with the Holy Mass for Latvia at 10:00 a.m. at the Rēzekne Sacred Heart Cathedral.
For fifteen years, the folk race dedicated to the birthday of Latvia “Inhale Rēzekne 2025!” has been taking place in Rēzekne with the start and finish at the castle mound (registration for the race).
Registration of participants will take place from 11:00 to 12:00 at ARPC “Zeimuļs”, but the series of runs will start from 12:00, ending with the award ceremony at around 13:15. The tradition began in 2010 and has become a popular morning activity of the Latvian birthday celebration for many supporters of an active lifestyle.
In the afternoon, at 16:15, a festive procession will begin from the monument “Latgale Congress – 100” to the monument “United for Latvia”, where at 16:30 the festive gathering “Come cheer for Latvia!” will begin. The actor of Mikhail Chekhov’s Riga Russian Theatre Maksim Busels, singer Anmary, as well as the Rēzekne amateur art and dance groups led by Ilmārs Dreļs will perform.
At the end of the evening, at 18.00, the concert “Holiday Music” will be performed at the Latgale Embassy GORS. The wind orchestra “Rēzekne” will perform under the direction of conductor Aleksandrs Maslovs with a program that includes compositions by Imants Kalniņš, Gunārs Ordelovskis, Raimonds Pauls, Juris Ābols and other composers. During the concert, the name of the Honorary Citizen of Rēzekne will be solemnly announced. Admission – 3 euros, tickets at the GORS box office.
