Ropaži and Jūrmala plan fire shows and a candle trail for Latvia’s birthday

Towns around Riga are preparing evenings of light installations, candles and fire shows for 18 November, the 108th anniversary of Latvia’s proclamation of independence, Kodols, a news site for the Riga region, reported. The biggest events are planned in Ropaži and Jūrmala.

Ropaži: from the school to the castle ruins

Ropaži, a town east of Riga, will hold a light event from 19:00 to 22:00 on 18 November. A light installation called Straume (Stream) will cover the front of Ropaži Secondary School, a piece called Laivā (In the boat) will stand next to the school, and Bāka (Lighthouse) will shine on Mīlestības saliņa (Love Island). There will be fire installations in the park, a torch-lit path along the river and illuminated letters spelling ROPAŽI.

The programme also includes aerial dance on the front of the culture centre and fire shows at the open-air stage and the castle ruins. On Lāčplēsis Day, 11 November, the culture centre in nearby Vangaži was lit up with patterns from the Lielvārde belt, a traditional Latvian woven sash.

Jūrmala: a trail of candles through the town

In Jūrmala, the seaside resort west of Riga, candles will again be the centrepiece. On 18 November thousands of candles will form what the town calls Latvia’s longest trail of live flames, running from Priedaine to Ķemeri. Candles will be laid out in Latvian folk patterns on Jomas iela, the resort’s main pedestrian street, and will trace the outline of Latvia at Sloka stadium.

Opening hours

Ropaži municipality’s administration and customer service centres will work from 08:30 to 15:00 on 17 November, with a lunch break from 13:00 to 13:30; 18 November is a public holiday. Culture centres, libraries and sports centres will follow their event schedules, the municipality said.