Lāčplēsis Day in Latvia
November 11 · Level 8 · #483 of 2238
Lāčplēsis Day honours those who defended Latvia's independence. It commemorates the Latvian army's victory over Bermondt-Avalov's forces near Riga in 1919, a pivotal moment in the country's War of Independence.
How it is celebrated: people light candles beside Riga Castle and in their windows, lay flowers at memorials and attend remembrance ceremonies. After dark, the candlelight gives the commemorations a particularly moving setting.
The day takes its name from an epic hero: Lāčplēsis means roughly “Bear Slayer.” Latvia also named a military order after him.