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Celebrating Lačplesis Day and honoring our country’s freedom fighters, on November 11 at 6:00 p.m. we will unite in a torchlight march. The march will start on Dambja Street and conclude at the Monument to the Liberators of Jelgava, where at around 6:45 p.m. a ceremonial moment and concert will take place, featuring Juris Vizbulis, the mixed choir “Balti”, and the band “Tirkizband”. In honor of the celebration, on November 11 from 12:00 to 9:00 p.m., the National Guard 4th Kurzeme Brigade’s 52nd Combat Support Battalion will provide an opportunity for everyone to learn more about the daily life of Latvian and allied military forces in Station Park – to view military equipment, meet soldiers and national guardsmen, and learn about career opportunities in the service.

Participants in the torchlight march are invited to gather from 5:30 p.m. on the section of Dambja Street between the intersections with Sarmas Street and Aspazijas Street.

The march will begin at 6:00 p.m., led by the National Guard and other military units, followed by all other participants. The procession will move along Lielā, Pasta, and Stacijas Streets and conclude at the Monument to the Liberators of Jelgava, where the Lačplesis Day ceremony will take place. Later, the celebratory concert will feature the mixed choir “Balti”, Tirkizband, and Juris Vizbulis.

Participants are traditionally encouraged to bring a torch, wear a red-white-red ribbon, and lay flowers and candles at the monument.

To ensure the safety of everyone during the event, citizens are asked to follow fire safety rules:

– do not use homemade torches,

– fill the torch container only partially and only with the proper fuel,

– entrust lighting and carrying the torch to adults,

– hold the torch vertically during the event and keep distance from others.

If a torch is defective or burning irregularly, it should be extinguished immediately. Also, two burning torches should not be placed close together to prevent ignition. At the end of the event, participants are asked to extinguish their torches and ensure they are fully out.

In the spirit of environmental care, everyone is encouraged to keep their torch for reuse in future celebrations.

Drivers should note that traffic will be closed along the march route during the event.

Those unable to attend in person will be able to watch the live broadcast on the website www.jelgava.lv and on the Facebook page “Jelgavas pilsēta” (@Jelgavas pilsēta).

With the goal of honoring Latvia’s freedom fighters, strengthening national pride, and introducing citizens to military life, from 12:00 to 9:00 p.m. in Station Park, visitors will be able to view military vehicles and equipment. Throughout the day, there will be military displays, an information tent, and equipment demonstrations. Visitors will have the chance to meet soldiers and national guardsmen, learn about joining the National Guard or Armed Forces, and participate in educational activities for youth. Participation is free of charge.

It should be remembered that on November 11, 1919, the Latvian Army, despite being outnumbered, defeated the Bermontian forces. This decisive victory ensured the consolidation of Latvia’s independence and the continued existence of the state.