On November 18, and the days preceding, Riga celebrated the anniversary of its independence.  The celebration was centered around Staro Riga, which is an incredible display of little shows and projections onto some of the most famous buildings in Riga. I have to say, it was very cool. 

Though the history of Latvia is very extensive and full of conquest, I will be focusing on the November 18, 1918 independence and modern history (if you would like to learn more, feel free to visit your local wikipedia page). 

Shortly after the First World War and the collapse of the German Empire, Latvia proclaimed its independence.  The newly assembled Latvian Army won battles against German forces that propelled them to success against the Red Army.  In 1920, Latvia and Soviet Russia signed a peace treaty, and the next year was admitted into the League of Nations.  

During World War II, under the threat of invasion, Latvia signed a an assistance pact with the Soviet Union.  However the pact was short lived as Nazi occupation lasted from the summer of 1942 until the end of the war.  During this time it is estimated that between 89-95% of the Latvian Jewish Community was killed in the Holocaust.  Latvia was under the Soviet regime from 1944 until the fall of Communism in 1989.  

Now Latvia is a member of the United Nations and the European Union.  And even though full independence was not acquired until May of 1992, Latvians still celebrate the November 18 decree.  

Picture Descriptions

Top Left: The Ave, Munchhausen exhibit on the St. Peter and St. Paul Church. (See next post for a video)

Top Right: The St. Peter and St. Paul Church during the day

Middle Left: The Riga Cathedral in blue and red lights.  This exhibition was a visual representation of the 800 year history of the church.  (Note: this church is the same church that is in the foreground of my banner for my blog (look up).  It is the building with the clock on the left.)

Middle Middle: Fireworks over the Daugava River.

Middle RIght: “Light boxes” suspended from a tree

Bottom Left: Bikes used to power the exhibition on the Musuem of Decorative Arts and Design.  The faster you peddled the faster the children moved.

Bottom Right: The children that moved when their compliment bike was peddled.