Cēsis Battles 105

Honoring the heroism of Latvian freedom fighters and Latvia's Victory Day, the 105th anniversary of the Cēsis Battles, several events will take place in Cēsis on June 21 and June 22, including a dance performance and concert, ceremonial laying of flowers, military parade, Cēsis Battles reconstruction, and other activities.

On Friday, June 21, the program dedicated to the Cēsis Battles will commence at the Cēsis Castle Square with a scientific conference, in collaboration with the Latvian War Museum, where Latvian and foreign historians are planned to participate.

At 21:00, a splendid dance performance will take place at the Cēsis Castle Park stage, featuring the group 'Tautumeitas' alongside participants from the Cēsis district dance ensemble. Tickets are available at the Bilēšu paradīze box office.

Meanwhile, at 22:30, the event program, in cooperation with the Estonian Embassy, will continue with a festive concert featuring the Estonian group 'Trad.Attack!'

On the Cēsis Battles Remembrance Day, June 22, participants of an herb market will be active from 10:00 at Rožu Square.

The memorial events will start at 11:00 with the laying of flowers at the Victory Monument in Vienības Square, followed by a military parade of Latvian and foreign armed forces and an orchestra parade program at 11:15. The parade will include Latvian President Egils Levits, Estonian President Kersti Kaljulaid, and defense industry leadership.

Furthermore, the peak of the festivities, the Cēsis Battles reconstruction, will commence at 13:00 as always at Pirtsupītes gravel pit. Organized in cooperation with Renārs Sproģis and the association 'Live Latvia,' directed by Edīte Siļķēna, the reconstruction will be carried out by the military history and reconstruction association 'Kurland' under Jānis Jeļisejevs, with participation from the Cēsis Theater, Latvian National Defense Cadets, and battle reconstruction clubs from Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania. The battle reconstruction dedicated to the 105th anniversary of the Cēsis Battles aims to showcase authentic armored vehicles and artillery pieces.

105 years ago in the Independence War, on June 22, 1919, Estonian and Latvian forces achieved a decisive victory over the Baltic Landeswehr and Iron Division in Cēsis and its surroundings. Thanks to the determination and combat strength of the Northern Latvian Brigade and Estonian units, in these battles, Cēsis, Sigulda, and Inčukalns were liberated from the invaders, disrupting the enemy's plans to seize power in Latvia and Estonia. The victory in the Cēsis Battles later allowed the Northern Latvian Brigade to enter Riga, return to the capital to the Latvian provisional government, and realize the idea of creating a unified Latvian army.

Traffic restrictions are expected during the events, and we encourage you to follow the current information on cesis.lv.