News

Proud of our country’s freedom fighters and celebrating Lačpleša Day, on November 11th at 18:00, we will gather for a torchlight procession. The procession will begin on Dambja Street and conclude at the Lačplešs Monument, where at around 18:45, there will be a solemn moment followed by a concert in a patriotic atmosphere, featuring the mixed choir “Balti” as well as musicians LUKS and Ģirts Alsters.

Meanwhile, the 52nd Combat Support Battalion of the National Guard invites everyone to an Interest Day at Stacijas Park on November 11th from 12:00 to 20:00. During the first half of the day, everyone will have the opportunity to participate in practical activities and experience what it’s like to be a National Guard soldier. Throughout the day, visitors can also explore military vehicles and equipment, as well as learn about service opportunities in the National Guard.

For the torchlight procession, residents of Jelgava are invited to gather from 17:40 on the section of Dambja Street between the intersection of Dambja and Sarmas Streets and the intersection of Dambja and Aspazijas Streets.

The procession will be initiated by the National Guard, the State Police, municipal police, and other paramilitary structures, followed by the other participants of the procession. The procession will begin at 18:00, proceeding along Lielā, Pasta, and Stacijas Streets, and will conclude at the Lačpleša Monument.

At the monument, there will be a solemn moment dedicated to Lačpleša Day, followed by a concert to enhance the festive atmosphere, with performances from the mixed choir “Balti,” musicians LUKA, Ģ.Alsters, and like-minded individuals.

Participants in the procession are traditionally invited to bring torches, attach a red-white-red ribbon to their clothing, and place flowers and candles at the Lačpleša Monument.

To ensure the safety of both participants and others during the solemn moment, citizens are asked to observe fire safety regulations:

• Do not use homemade torches,
• Only partially fill the torch container and use the appropriate fuel for the torch,
• Only adults should light and carry the torches,
• Keep the torches vertical during the procession and maintain a safe distance from other participants,
• Immediately extinguish any defective torches,
• Do not place two burning torches too close to each other to prevent them from igniting.

Upon reaching the Lačpleša Monument, participants are encouraged to extinguish their torches and, for safety reasons, ensure that they are completely out. To help protect nature, participants are also encouraged to consider keeping their torches for use at future celebrations.

For drivers:

Please note that traffic will be closed along the procession route during the event. Those who, for any reason, are unable to join the torchlight procession will have the opportunity to watch a live stream on the website www.jelgava.lv and on the Jelgava City social media page @Jelgavas pilsēta on Facebook.

It is important to remember that on November 11, 1919, the Latvian Army, despite being outnumbered, defeated the troops led by Bermont. This decisive victory secured Latvia’s independence and ensured the survival of the state.