Smiltene Municipality to Mark Lāčplēsis Day with Torch Processions and Concerts

On Wednesday, 11 November, Smiltene Municipality in Vidzeme, Latvia, will host a number of events for Lāčplēsis Day, honouring soldiers who died in Latvia's War of Independence. The day is marked across Latvia with torch processions and commemorations on the date in 1919 when Riga was liberated from the Bermontians, also known as the West Russian Volunteer Army. That event is symbolically regarded as a victory in the War of Independence, which lasted from 5 December 1918 to 11 August 1920.

Smiltene

In the town, events are organised by the Smiltene Municipality Culture Centre together with the local government. A service begins at 18:00 in the Evangelical Lutheran church, and at 18:20 a brass band will perform in the town centre. A torch procession leaves the centre at 18:40 for the town cemetery, where a remembrance moment will be held at 19:00 by the monument to the heroes of the freedom fights.

Elsewhere in the municipality

In Ape, a torch procession starts at 18:00 at the Culture Centre and ends at the town cemetery with a remembrance moment. From 19:00 to 21:00, an evening gathering with songs, conversation and tea will take place in the centre's yard, while children can do crafts at the Crafts House.

In Rauna, an exhibition of lanterns made by pupils and patriotic readings will be held at 17:30 by the primary school. The torch procession begins at 18:00, and at 18:15 a remembrance moment, a ceremonial address and the concert programme “TIK UN TĀ” will take place at the Freedom Monument. Performers include Elīna Ose, Mārtiņš Jātnieks, Ēriks Upenieks, Kristaps Grīnbergs and Kristaps Krievkalns.

In Drusti Parish, a remembrance moment at the Freedom Monument starts at 19:00. In Trapene Parish, a torch procession from the former parish building to the Culture House begins at 17:30, followed by a remembrance moment and a concert by Sabīne Berezina.

In Palsmane, events are organised by the primary school with the Youth Guard and the parish administration. Singer Ainars Bumbieris performs “Dziesma Latvijai” in the church at 18:00, a remembrance moment and induction of new Youth Guard members follow at 19:00, and a torch procession of about three kilometres begins at 19:20. In Grundzāle, the traditional orienteering event “Grundzāle Night” will be held the same day in honour of Latvia's national holiday week.