National holiday program in Ventspils
05.11.2026 - 16:49
In November, Ventspils will celebrate Lāčplēsis Day and the 108th anniversary of the proclamation of the Republic of Latvia with a wide-ranging program of events. On November 11, the city will hold commemorative moments and a torchlight procession, while on November 18, Ventspils residents and city guests will be invited to national holiday concerts, the Path of Light and festive fireworks. The Patriots' Week program will be complemented by cultural, sports, family, educational and gastronomic a
On Lāčplēša Day - moments of remembrance and torchlight procession "River of Light"
On November 11 at 12:00, a commemoration of Lāčplēsis Day will take place at the Forest Cemetery near the White Cross and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, with a speech by Pastor Kārlis Irbe, a moment of silence, and the laying of flowers.
On November 11 at 12:00, a commemoration of Lāčplēsis Day will take place at the Forest Cemetery near the White Cross and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, with a speech by Pastor Kārlis Irbe, a moment of silence, and the laying of flowers.
From 5:30 p.m., a moment of remembrance and the solemn oath-taking of the Young Guards will take place on the Esplanade near Ventspils City Hall, at the memorial stele of the Cavaliers of the Ventspils Lāčplēsis Military Order.
At 6:00 p.m., the torchlight procession will begin from the Esplanade. "River of Light", which will lead along Jūras Street, Saules Street and Lielo Prospekt to the Great Square. The procession will be accompanied by Ventspils singing groups and members of the brass band "Ventspils". Residents and guests of the city are invited to join the procession, bringing a torch with them.
From 6:30 p.m., the musical program dedicated to Lāčplēsis Day will continue in the Main Square. Young people from Ventspils Technical University and Ventspils Music Secondary School and the band "Bekars" will perform.
At the same time, activities by the National Guard, State Border Guard and Youth Guard will take place in the square. Visitors are invited to bring a candle and participate in creating Latvian signs and fire patterns.
November 18 - concerts, Path of Light and festive fireworks
The program for the Proclamation Day of the Republic of Latvia in Ventspils will begin in the morning.
The activity will take place from 10:00 a.m. "Run or walk the contour of Latvia in Ventspils"At 10:00, walkers and Nordic walkers will set off on the 11,5-kilometer route, while the start of the race is scheduled for 11:18.
At 4:00 p.m., a free concert will be performed at the "Latvija" concert hall. National Day Concert "Homeland - Eternal Music", which will feature soprano Paula Mihailova, organist Aigars Reinis, Ventspils United Choirs and Ventspils Chamber Orchestra under the direction of conductor Aigars Meri. Free entrance tickets will be available at the box office of the "Latvija" concert hall from November 9.
At 5:30 p.m., a Path of Light will be created from candles near Ventspils State Gymnasium No. 1, but the festive mood will be enhanced by a concert by high school students.
At 6:00 PM, the event will begin in the Main Square. festive concert "LATVIAI - 108", which will feature Raimonds Pauls's theater and film music melodies and favorite songs. Together with the group "Armaestro" will perform Mārcis Manjakovs, Ērika Grāvele, Lelde Dreimane, Madara Botmane, Juris Hiršs and Jānis Paukštello. At 7:10 p.m. the festive program will end with fireworks accompanied by a medley of Raimonds Pauls' songs.
Patriots' Week cultural and sports program
The national holiday atmosphere in Ventspils will begin even before Lāčplēsis Day.
On November 7, a boys' and men's choir singing festival will be held at the House of Creativity. "Song. Strength. Friendship. Our land Latvia!", The Cultural Center will be performing concert of the mixed choir "Kaiva",but in the concert hall "Latvija" will perform Latvian National Symphony Orchestra and Mikēle Gamba.
A grand concert of Ventspils school choirs will take place on November 12th. "Let's walk the roads, singing and dancing!", which will participate 11 choirs and around 412 singers. The concert will feature music by Imants Kalniņš and Raimonds Pauls. Admission will be by ticket, and the concert will also be available online on the Ventspils portal and Ventspils Facebook page.
On November 14, sports fans will gather for the Latvian-Estonian Basketball Championship between BK "Ventspils" and VEF Riga. leagues game, but at the VIZIUM Family Science Center, you will be able to participate in the workshop "Getting to know Latvia with robots!"
On November 15, the folk dance group "Liedags" will perform a concert "Dance steps around the world" will celebrate its 35th anniversary, while on November 16 in the concert hall "Latvija" The free National Day concert of the Ventspils Music High School will be performed.
"Discover Ventspils!" photo orienteering walk
From November 11 to 22, Ventspils Digital Center, in cooperation with Ventspils Tourist Information Center and Pūces Production, will offer a free photo orienteering walk "Discover Ventspils!".
Participants, individually, with friends or family, will be able to explore the city streets using digital game directions and photos to discover various places in Ventspils.The starting point of the walk will be the Ventspils Digital Center at Akmeņu Street 3, but after completing the route, it will be possible to receive a small commemorative prize at the Ventspils Tourist Information Center.
Latvian festival VIZIUM - with science and technology activities
Ventspils Science Center Science Centre VIZIUM will offer activities dedicated to the national holiday for families and adults in November.
Active from November 10 to 18 "Latvian Molecule" Visitors will be able to leave their wishes for Latvia, while the VIZIUM building will be illuminated in the colors of the Latvian flag during the dark hours.
On November 13th at 6:00 PM there will be erudition game for adults, where participants will be able to test their knowledge and ingenuity, but on November 14, 15 and 18 in the workshop "Let's get to know Latvia with robots!" Families will go on a virtual trip through Latvian cities by programming Codey Rocky and mBot2 robots.
In November in Ventspils - also a special gastronomic offer
From November 16 to 29, Ventspils cafes and restaurants will invite you to go on a taste adventure "Long live the chop!", each offering their own special version of chops.
Visitors will not only be able to experience different interpretations of this popular dish, but also take part in a prize draw. The main prize will be a 100 euro gift card, which the winner can use at the catering company of the initiative participant of their choice.
More information about participants and offers will be available on the Visit Ventspils website and social media from November 12th.
Patriotic offer in Ventspils museums
In November, there will also be a special offer at Ventspils museums.
At the House of Crafts, it will be possible to weave a patriotic ribbon on several days in November, while the Livonian Order Castle will host an exhibition called "Printed in Ventspils" until November 18, which tells the story of the first Latvian publishers and the importance of the printed word in Ventspils.
On November 18, the exhibition "Printed in Ventspils" will be open to the public for free. The Mazbānītis will also run on a special schedule at the Seaside Open-Air Museum on the national holiday.Current information about events, tickets, venues and possible program changes is available. www.visitventspils.com.
Patriots' Week in Ventspils will invite you to experience the Latvian holiday over several days - honoring freedom fighters, cultivating holiday traditions, enjoying Latvian music, exploring the city, science and museums, participating in sports activities and enjoying Ventspils' gastronomic offer.
