Residents of Jelgava in Shock: Red Flags Have Appeared in Yards, Just Like in Soviet Times 0 16

Residents of Jelgava have noticed strange decorations in the yards of their apartment buildings, reports the Bez Tabu program (TV3). It is not entirely clear whether this was timed for Easter or if it was an April Fool's joke. Journalists contacted a resident activist by phone, who shared the general opinion of local residents. People have a variety of associations.

"I spoke with the residents. Everyone is unpleasantly surprised. They say it reminds them of the red-light district. Someone said it looks like Soviet times. Just not for Easter. I came home from work and was shocked! Well, red flags! Well, what Easter? This land belongs to the municipality, not to the house. When this area needs to be tidied up in the summer, it overgrows, and no one takes care of it!" said a resident of Jelgava.

The local janitor also noted that the flags might not be a bad thing, but the area is as it is; for example, the sand hasn’t been changed for two years, and the paths are all overgrown.

According to locals, the flags were spotted in at least six locations.

Journalists contacted the Jelgava City Council, where it was explained that this is not an April Fool's joke, but a new concept for the improvement of urban areas that has been developed over many years.

Thus, the city’s chief artist and designer Inese Zarina thanked the residents for noticing the new concept of Jelgava.

She developed it, along with a special map that has not yet been published. It shows points where local residents can gather and celebrate their holidays. These can be choirs or ensembles, or people can simply come together and socialize. For example, on Driķsas Street in the city center, the flags have been hanging for a long time, creating a festive atmosphere.

Of the 21 districts in the city, six are the most active, so the first flags appeared there. People usually gather in park squares and playgrounds, which is why they were supplemented with flags of different colors.

The colors correspond to a set of colored pencils known to everyone since childhood.

And if any local resident particularly dislikes a certain color—red, blue, or green—the tone can be changed, assured the chief artist of Jelgava.