Public holiday in Latvia
Declaration of Independence Day in Latvia
Monday, May 4, 2026
Nationwide public holiday
Declaration of Independence Day marks Latvia’s 1990 declaration restoring the country’s independence from Soviet rule. It is a nationwide public holiday observed on 4 May.
About Declaration of Independence Day in Latvia
The day commemorates the Supreme Council of the Republic of Latvia’s declaration that restored the country’s independence on 4 May 1990. In modern Latvia, it sits among the key state holidays that mark the country’s independence and constitutional continuity, and it is observed nationwide as a public holiday.
History
On 4 May 1990, the Supreme Council of the Republic of Latvia adopted the declaration restoring Latvia’s independence. The date recalls the political break with Soviet authority and the start of the transition back to an independent Latvian state.
Traditions
A common symbolic custom is displaying the Latvian flag. Many people also treat the day as a patriotic occasion and use it to mark the state holiday with family gatherings or quiet personal observance.
How Declaration of Independence Day is celebrated in Latvia
Ceremonial and civic events are held in Latvia, often including official speeches and flag-related observances. For many people, it is also a day off that is spent more quietly than the larger public celebrations associated with other national holidays.
Interesting facts
Latvia’s official name for the holiday is tied to the restoration of independence rather than the original 1918 declaration of statehood. It is one of Latvia’s two spring state holidays centered on national independence, alongside Restoration of Independence Day’s later historical counterpart in November.
Dates in published calendars
| Year | Holiday date | Observed date | Scope |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 4 May 2026 | — | Nationwide |
Import sources
- Generic ICS feed
An import is not an independent verification.