In August, Riga hosts the traditional City Festival — Rigas Svetki. The largest celebrations traditionally take place in the Latvian capital on the Embankment on November 11 ( 11.novembra krastmala ) and in the Vermansk park ( Vērmanes dārzs ).
But festive moods are in the city center, but also in Pardaugava, Mezapark, Purvciems and other areas of Riga. It does not do without congratulations to married couples who have lived together for 50 years.
On the first day of the holiday, the sounds of bells fill Old Riga, and « OKarte » Nightly Running, which brings together lovers of active and creative relaxation for adventure on the streets of the night city, takes place near the Congress House. The race invites absolutely everyone to participate, the length of the track from Valdemara Street to the TAG1 — 4.5 km.
There is also the opportunity to see uncharted Riga in Vermansk Park, where the events and time of Riga come to life several decades ago, when the National Opera, the University of Latvia, the National Theater, and the Latvian Academy of Arts were founded.
On the second day of the holiday, according to tradition, a huge table is laid on the embankment. And nearby on stage are professionals artists and musicians, as well as popular young performers. Riga residents and city guests will enjoy numerous performances, contests and sporting events for both children and adults.
Historical background
The date of foundation of Riga is considered to be 1201. But, according to archaeological data, settlements existed in the first half of the 12th century. The name of the city, according to most linguists, comes from the Baltic word Riga, which means « from the river ».
There is scientific debate about the identity of the founder of the city. Three bishops are mentioned: Bertold, Mainhard and Albert von Appeldern. The latter was officially recognized as the founder of the city of Riga. It was a bishop who came to the shores of the Daugava with a military unit and a papal bull about the conquest of Livonia.