Proclamation of the Republic of Latvia (National Day)2026 · Date · History
Latvia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs lists 18 November as the Proclamation of the Republic of Latvia (National Day), and Latvia’s in-force law on holidays recognizes 18 November as Proclamation Day. Official state history ties the date to the proclamation of an independent Latvia on 18 November 1918.
About Proclamation of the Republic of Latvia (National Day)
Proclamation of the Republic of Latvia (National Day) is observed on November 18. Latvia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs lists November 18 as the country’s National Day, and Latvia’s in-force holiday law recognizes the date as Proclamation Day of the Republic of Latvia.
The date commemorates the proclamation of an independent Latvian state on November 18, 1918.
Why Proclamation of the Republic of Latvia (National Day) matters
November 18 is a national statehood commemoration centered on the 1918 proclamation of the Republic of Latvia.
Historical explanation should distinguish the 1918 proclamation from later milestones such as the restoration of independence in 1990–1991, which have their own legal and commemorative contexts.
History of Proclamation of the Republic of Latvia (National Day)
The People’s Council of Latvia was established on November 17, 1918.
On November 18, 1918, the People’s Council proclaimed an independent State of Latvia in Riga; current Latvian government historical material treats that date as a central statehood milestone.
Latvia’s current law On Holidays, Remembrance Days and Days to be Marked recognizes November 18 as Proclamation Day of the Republic of Latvia.
The current law was adopted on October 3, 1990 and remains in force, providing a modern statutory basis for the holiday without being misrepresented as the origin of the 1918 state proclamation.
How the observance developed
This timeline uses documented milestones from reviewed sources. Missing stages are left out rather than guessed.
People’s Council of Latvia
Official Latvian government history identifies the People’s Council as the body that proclaimed an independent State of Latvia on 18 November 1918.
People’s Council of Latvia
Proclamation of the independent State of Latvia on 18 November 1918
The in-force law recognizes 18 November as Proclamation Day of the Republic of Latvia.
Supreme Council of the Republic of Latvia · Law on Holidays, Remembrance Days and Days to be Marked
What the evidence establishes
Confirmed institutional roles and milestones are shown first. Details that could not be established from the reviewed sources are listed separately below.
4 fields not established in reviewed sources
Later institutional actions
Later recognition, renaming, mergers or date changes are kept separate from original establishment.
Also known as
Latvia Independence Day
How to Observe Proclamation of the Republic of Latvia (National Day)
Attend or watch official national-day ceremonies and cultural events if you wish to participate.
Learn about the November 1918 proclamation through Latvian government, parliamentary or museum sources.
When discussing Latvia’s twentieth-century history, keep the 1918 proclamation, 1990 declaration restoring independence and 1991 full restoration milestones distinct.
If displaying the Latvian flag, consult current Latvian law or official guidance for applicable rules rather than relying on informal summaries.
Proclamation of the Republic of Latvia (National Day) Facts
Latvia’s National Day is November 18.
The Republic of Latvia was proclaimed on November 18, 1918.
The People’s Council of Latvia proclaimed the independent state.
Latvia’s in-force holiday law recognizes November 18 as Proclamation Day of the Republic of Latvia.
The current holiday law was adopted on October 3, 1990.
Topic and context
What this page does not assume
- Keep the source-defined country, community, organizer or institutional scope; do not silently broaden it.
- Do not treat the title alone as proof of government recognition or public-holiday status.
- Do not add a creator, founding story or origin claim unless the supporting evidence establishes it.
- Remembrance Civic Context Care.
Evidence & sources
Sources used across the guide are gathered here. Labels show how each source supports the page, and contextual references are kept separate from primary evidence.
Latvia legal acts — Law on Holidays, Remembrance Days and Days to be Marked (opens in a new tab)
National Legislation
State Chancellery of Latvia — Declaration of Independence materials (opens in a new tab)
National Government History
Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs — Latvian national holidays (opens in a new tab)
National Government
Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs historical background (opens in a new tab)
Understand it, compare it, then explore further
Start with the most common factual questions, then compare closely related observances and explore useful connections.
Frequently asked questions
When is Proclamation of the Republic of Latvia (National Day)?
18 November annually The documented recurrence rule is: 18 November.
Does Proclamation of the Republic of Latvia (National Day) fall on the same date every year?
Yes. It uses a fixed annual date unless stronger evidence changes the pattern.
Is Proclamation of the Republic of Latvia (National Day) an official public holiday?
The reviewed sources verify it within this scope: Latvia / national day and independence commemoration. That recognition does not by itself make it a statutory public holiday; the site only makes public-holiday claims when reliable evidence explicitly does so.
Who established or recognizes Proclamation of the Republic of Latvia (National Day)?
The reviewed sources identify People’s Council of Latvia as the proclaiming or establishing body.
Is Proclamation of the Republic of Latvia (National Day) international or country-specific?
This observance is specific to Latvia. Its fuller verified scope is: Latvia / national day and independence commemoration.
How is this page verified?
The factual information is checked against reviewed sources, including the date pattern, scope and institutional history. This page was checked on 2026-09-29.
When is Latvia’s National Day?
It is November 18, officially listed as the Proclamation of the Republic of Latvia (National Day).
What happened on November 18, 1918?
The People’s Council of Latvia proclaimed an independent State of Latvia in Riga.
Is November 18 recognized in Latvian law?
Yes. Latvia’s in-force law on holidays recognizes November 18 as Proclamation Day of the Republic of Latvia.
Is November 18 the same as Latvia’s Restoration of Independence Day?
No. November 18 commemorates the 1918 proclamation; the restoration of independence is separately commemorated in Latvia’s modern state calendar.
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