Military parade for Latvia’s national holiday: start time, live broadcast, rehearsal

Latvia’s National Armed Forces, allied units and other services involved in national defence will parade on the 11 November Embankment in Riga from 13:30 to 14:45 on Wednesday, 18 November, the 108th anniversary of the proclamation of the Republic of Latvia, the Ministry of Defence said. Here is what spectators need to know: where to watch, when the rehearsal is and which roads will close.

Where can I watch the parade live?

The Ministry of Defence said people who cannot attend will be able to watch the parade live on LSM, the Latvian public broadcaster, and TV24, as well as on social media. Broadcast times had not been published by 10 November; we will update this article.

Where can I see the parade in person?

The parade takes place on the 11 November Embankment, along the Daugava in the Old Town. The organisers had not announced spectator areas or entrances by 10 November. Public transport is the easiest way to get there: travel on Riga’s public transport is free on 18 November, and parking on the embankment will not be allowed.

A military equipment display will be open at the Riga Passenger Port from 11:00 to 16:00.

When is the parade rehearsal?

The full rehearsal is on Tuesday, 17 November. Riga City Council and the Ministry of Defence have not yet published its start time. The Stone Bridge may close briefly during the rehearsal, but public transport will keep running.

Which roads will close for the parade?

• Parking is banned on the 11 November Embankment between the Stone Bridge and Muitas Street from 20:00 on 16 November until 23:00 on 18 November.
• The 11 November Embankment will be closed to traffic from the afternoon of 17 November until the evening of 18 November.
• The Stone Bridge will close to traffic for about one to two hours during the parade on 18 November.
• The Vanšu Bridge stays open to pedestrians, but people may not gather on it; only the National Armed Forces may fly drones.

Public transport will run, but some routes may be shortened or diverted. Rīgas satiksme, the city’s public transport operator, has not yet published a list of route changes.

What happens after the parade?

The celebrations continue on Freedom Square in the evening: a concert, “Brīvības ainavas” (Landscapes of Freedom), starts at 19:00, President Edgars Rinkēvičs gives an address at 20:00, and a light show follows until 23:00. The full programme, whether there will be fireworks, and opening hours for shops and post offices are in our 18 November guide.