Latvia Independence Day 2023: November 18 is Independence Day in Latvia. It proclaimed its independence from Russian occupation subsequent to World War I on this date in 1918. However, few could have predicted that 72 years later, the nation would be required to reinvent itself. Latvia Independence Day honours the endeavour of a country to preserve its territory and distinctiveness. In 1991, following centuries of occupation by a succession of monarchs, Latvia regained its independence.
Latvia Independence Day 2023: History
It has been a protracted journey for Latvia to attain independence. The ancient inhabitants of the land were known as the Balts. The Vikings imposed their authority over the Balts by the ninth century. During the 12th and 13th centuries, the German Knights of the Teutonic Order and the Knights of the Sword expeditiously converted Latvia to Christianity.
The duration of German rule surpassed three centuries. A landowning German population soon came to dominate an increasingly enserfed Latvian populace. Following a transient phase of Polish and Swedish occupation, expansionist Russia imposed its authority over Latvia in the eighteenth century.
The Latvians had become progressively dissatisfied by that time. Nationalism in Latvia increased during the early 20th century. On November 18, 1918, following the Russian Revolution of 1917, Latvia proclaimed its independence from Russia. Even though the new country had made its proclamation, it was not until 1920 that Germany and Soviet Russia acknowledged it after a period of disorderly combat.
However, the celebrations were fleeting. Some of the most formidable obstacles that Independent Latvia still faced remained ahead. In 1939, the Soviet Union forced Latvia to cede territory to Russian military installations. The Red Army invaded Latvia in 1940, and the country was subsequently incorporated into the Soviet Union.
Between 1941 and 1944, the Germans occupied Latvia in the midst of World War II. The Red Army quickly routed the German forces and subsequently retook Latvia. The nation was among the most prosperous and industrialized regions of the Soviet Union by 1949.
Nevertheless, despite the brevity of their twenty years of independence, the Latvians never forgot them. The desire for liberation continued to intensify. In the late 1980s, the Soviet regime under Mikhail Gorbachev experienced a revolutionary period of liberalization. The Latvians usurped the day and demanded the return of their independence. Once more, Latvia achieved full independence from the Soviet Union on August 21, 1991.
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Amazing Facts About Latvia
In close proximity to the sea and immediately above
The elevation of the capital of Latvia is approximately 29 feet above mean sea level.
Containing one of the largest markets in Europe
The Central Market in Riga is renowned for the structures housed within enormous hangars that Germany abandoned following World War I.
Virtually everyone resides here.
Riga accommodates more than one-third of the population of Latvia.
Art Nouveau at its core
With over 800 Art Nouveau structures, Riga is among the most magnificent open-air art galleries in the world.
Wi-Fi Sanctuary
The nation boasts among the most rapid internet connections globally, and Riga alone is home to more than 800 complimentary connection points.
Latvia Independence Day 2023: Date
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | November 18 | Saturday |
| 2024 | November 18 | Monday |
| 2025 | November 18 | Tuesday |
| 2026 | November 18 | Wednesday |
| 2027 | November 18 | Thursday |
