On May 4, Latvia celebrates the public holiday — Day of Restoration of Independence of the Republic of Latvia (Latvian). Latvijas Republicas Neatkarības atjaunošanas diena). Until 2011, it was called the Day of the Declaration of Independence of the Republic of Latvia (Latvian). Latvijas Republikas Neatkarības deklarācijas pasludināšanas diena), and then was renamed «Day of Restoration of Independence of the Republic of Latvia». It is dedicated to the restoration of the country's independence in 1990 and is a national holiday and day off.
On this day in 1990, the Supreme Council of the Latvian SSR presented and adopted a Declaration regarding the restoration of Independence of the Republic of Latvia and appointed a transit period until full independence was restored.
It must be said that Latvia first achieved independence in 1918, when on November 18 the «Act of Independence» was proclaimed in Riga, according to which Latvia became an independent state. However, the period of independence did not last relatively long. Already in 1939, according to the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact, Latvia entered the sphere of interests of the Soviet Union, and was soon annexed to the USSR.
Currently, in honor of this holiday, various ceremonial events and folk festivals are held annually in Latvia. A cultural program is being organized in Riga, in which everyone can take a direct part.
For example, on November 11, photo exhibitions and concerts are held on the Embankment, both with the participation of choirs and contemporary music performers. At the Freedom Monument, representatives of the authorities and the public traditionally participate in the flower-laying ceremony, which is accompanied by concerts of the choir and orchestras.
The holiday ends with fireworks on the Embankment on November 11th.