In Riga, 40% of the population do not participate in any festive events in November

A survey by BTA and Norstat Latvija showed how residents of Latvia celebrate state holidays: nearly half — 46% — preferred family gatherings, while 18% participated in candlelight processions or watched the military parade. However, only 22% explained the significance of the Freedom Monument to children, and a third admitted that they do not participate in patriotic activities at all.

How do people in Latvia celebrate state holidays?

Overall, residents of Latvia most often spend state holidays with family — this was the response of 46% of those surveyed. This tradition unites people regardless of age, but most frequently — in 52% of cases — people aged 18–29 celebrate within the family circle, while less often — 41% — are residents aged 50–59.

18% participate in festive processions in their city. This is most commonly done by young people aged 18–29 — 27%. 18% of residents also watch the military parade — either on television or live, with this figure being higher among the older generation aged 60–74 — 21%.

Only 10% of respondents go to the Freedom Monument during state holidays, light candles at the wall of the Riga Castle or at the Brothers' Cemetery. Meanwhile, 33% admitted that they do not participate in any patriotic activities at all.

Regional differences

Just like in the country as a whole, residents of the regions most often celebrate holidays with family: Vidzeme — 54%, Kurzeme — 47%, Riga — 45%, Latgale — 43%, Zemgale — 41%.

Candlelight processions are most popular in Vidzeme (31%) and Kurzeme (29%), while in Riga this figure is significantly lower — only 7%. The military parade is most often watched by residents of Vidzeme (22%), followed by Zemgale (19%) and Kurzeme (16%), while in Latgale and Riga it is 15% and 17%, respectively. Riga also has the highest percentage of those who do not participate in festive events at all — 40%, while in Vidzeme this figure is only 20%.

Only 22% of residents explain the significance of the Freedom Monument to children

The survey showed that only 22% of respondents explained the significance of the Freedom Monument to children in their families, while another 28% mentioned it only in the context of holidays, but without details. 39% admitted that they do not talk about it at all, believing that this should be the responsibility of schools or other institutions.

In the regions, the significance of the monument is most often explained by residents of Vidzeme (26%) and Kurzeme (25%), less often by those in Latgale (18%) and Zemgale (19%). In Riga, 22% of residents explain the monument, but it is in the capital that the highest percentage of those who believe that this is the school's responsibility is found — 42%.