On 4 May, we will be united in spirit

On 4 May, Latvia will mark the 31st anniversary of the important event in 1990, when the declaration "On the Restoration of Independence of the Republic of Latvia" was adopted. This year, too, we will celebrate the holiday of freedom only in our closest circles, but we will all be united in spirit. To create a festive atmosphere and spend the day actively, Jelgava residents are encouraged to take part both in activities organised by municipal institutions and in the nationwide initiative.

The events of 31 years ago attracted the attention of the whole world, and an insight into them will be available on the website of the Ģederts Eliass History and Art Museum of Jelgava at www.jvmm.lv. "We compiled an overview of the events of 4 May last year, so this time we will offer a different perspective on history – during the holiday, our website will feature a publication by Doctor of History G. Putiķis on the geopolitical situation in Europe on the day Latvia’s independence was restored," says M. Kaupere, deputy director of the museum, adding: "It will provide an insight into the international environment Latvia entered in 1990 and the hopes for the country’s future at that time. The overview will also be supplemented by an interactive map."

Knowledge of the history of our country can also be tested and expanded through an activity organised by the Jelgava Regional Tourism Centre (JRTC), as the orienteering game organised in honour of Jelgava’s festive month continues. It will follow in the footsteps of various Jelgava personalities, including the presidents of Latvia’s first period of independence, whose lives were also connected with our city. To register for the orienteering game and receive the necessary worksheets, email tic@tornis.jelgava.lv; completed worksheets should be sent back to the JRTC. Prizes will be awarded for completed worksheets.

On 4 May, the municipal institution "Kultūra" also invites people to spend time actively – on the holiday, Jelgava residents are encouraged to take a spring walk called "Steps of Freedom" around Pasta Island. Seven points will be set up around the island, where visitors will be able to learn about the most important events in Latvia’s history that laid the foundations for our country’s independence. This will be an opportunity to combine a pleasant walk in the city with learning about the history of our country.

Jelgava residents can take part not only in activities in the city, but also in the nationwide initiative – the virtual procession "Put on the folk costume in honour of Latvia", keeping alive the tradition of wearing folk costumes on national holidays. On 4 May, everyone is invited to put on a folk costume and publish photographs on their "Facebook" or "Instagram" account with the hashtag #tautasterpugajiens2021, or to try on a folk costume using a photo filter. A compilation of the virtual folk costume procession in Latvia and around the world will then be created. The association "Mans tautastērps", represented in Jelgava, will also take part; it is involved in organising the initiative for the second year. Last year, more than four thousand folk costume wearers in Latvia and abroad took part in the procession. Several of them also recorded their preparations and participation in the procession on video in their yards, on the empty streets of the city or along country roads. By editing video footage submitted by participants and filmed on mobile phones, a joint message was created – despite the circumstances at the time, put on a folk costume and shine in honour of Latvia.

It should be added that in Jelgava, the holiday of 4 May is traditionally also marked by laying flowers at the monument to Latvia’s first president, Jānis Čakste. Residents are individually encouraged to do so throughout the day, observing epidemiological safety requirements. The leadership of Jelgava City will also lay flowers at the monument to Latvia’s first president on this day. In addition, the national flag must be raised at homes and institutions on 4 May.

Photo: Jelgava City Archives

Author:

Jelgava City Municipality

Public Relations Department