Patriotic week events in Gauja National Park

Patriotism especially permeated the atmosphere in 11th and 18th November in which people share stories about historical events, they unites in torchlight procession and in singing songs close to the nation’s heart honoring independence of the country.

Lāčplēsis Day on 11th November

Lāčplēsis Day is Latvia's day to remember those who have fallen in defense of the Latvian nation and its hard-won freedoms. Lāčplēsis is the name of Latvia's mythical warrior hero.  In the date join heartwarming events in Gauja National Park.

Torchlight processions are organized in Sigulda, Cēsis, Vecpiebalga, Straupe, Priekuļi, Valmiera, Kocēni at the afternoon / evening hours when dusk and darkness have descended. The torchlight parade winds through the cities, visiting memorial places of heroes.

Starting from 6 PM will start unforgettable event -lighting and placing candles in the outline of the country in Cēsis Castle Park. This year, a new multimedia performance "Lāčplēša gars / Spirit of Lāčplēsis" will be shown on the ancient castle walls. At 6 PM light and place candle at the courtyard of the Mālpils cultural center in Sigulda county.

At 6 PM candle workshop will be organized at Lēdurga cultural center in Sigulda county.  We invite you to watch Latvian movie scenes about historical events at 6PM and 8:30 PM in exposition building of Anšlavs Eglītis, Inčukalns, Sigulda county.

In the patriotic November people put Latvian flag ribbon at the jacket. Guests are welcomed to create the Latvian flag ribbon before the torchlight parade in workshop organized in Līgatne from 4 PM till 7 PM.

Patriotic songs can be felt through it’s melody! Join the music concert “Rock. Love. Freedom” at 7:30 PM in Valmiera cultural centre.

Light installation in Gauja National Park during the celebration week

In the week form 11^th to 18^th November watch light installation "Waving Sky" in Vecpuišu Park in Valmiera city. Every evening from from 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM we will be reminded of what is most dear to us - home and freedom - through the traditional music instrument sound of and the motifs of the "Milky Way".

In Valmiermuiža watch light installation “Dawn” from 11th to 20^th November. In Līgatne visit a patriotic sound and light installation at 11^th, 12^th and 18^th November at 4 PM.

Independence Day of Latvia on 18^th November

The Independence Day celebrations will be permeated by concerts and festive moments.

Each smaller and larger city in Gauja National Park invites local people and guests on various heartwarming musical and folkdance concerts.

People will honor the heroes in various cities. At 11 AM the ceremonial laying of flowers will take place at the Victory Monument in Vienības Square in Cēsis.

Please contact tourism information centrs about times of the events:

Valmiera county: tic@valmierasnovads.lv, +371 26332213

Cēsis county: info@cesis.lv,  +371 28318318

Sigulda county: info@sigulda.lv, +371 67971335