How Did Riga Celebrate its 823rd Birthday?

At the weekend, Riga celebrated its 823rd birthday – doing so with a diverse programme of events, including a 24 hour basketball match, speeches, concerts and street food. Latvia’s capital was founded in 1201 and quickly grew in importance as a trading centre, due to the city’s strategic location on the Daugava River: making Riga a key city for the Hanseatic League during the middle ages.

What events were there in Riga?

The day began in the Town Hall Square, transformed into the “Square of Courage,” where the celebration was opened with a special “Courage Talks” session, featuring speakers from Riga’s multicultural communities and its twin city, Tartu. 

This set the tone for a day filled with performances and activities celebrating courage and joy, including concerts at Doma Square with performances by Latvian bands like “The Sound Poets” and Ukraine’s Kalush Orchestra.

A highlight of the celebrations was the “Riga Grows” event on the 11th November Embankment. It featured an extensive lineup of music, art, and interactive activities, including writing the longest love letter to Riga and creating street art.

Public transport was free throughout the weekend to encourage visitors. The Riga Taste Festival, held in the Old Town, offered a culinary journey through Latvia’s traditional and contemporary flavors, with attendees encouraged to vote for their favourite. This was our (Lizzie and Elle’s) favourite part of the festival! There was also a fire installation from the French group Cie Carabosse at Uzvaras Park, which enchanted visitors.

A fire show to celebrate Riga’s birthday (photo taken by Theo – read his blog here!)

Riga holds birthday celebrations every August as part of the city’s programme of summer activities – why not visit next year?

Photo by Elle (Intern at Liden & Denz)