Celebrating Lāčplēsis Day: A Reading Marathon Like No Other
Ah, November 11—Lāčplēsis Day, a day when Latvians gather to remember a glorious moment when they’d done the unthinkable: repel the forces of Bermont and secure their independence! Pop the confetti, grab a krafterschopp (that’s Latvian for “beer,” which I just made up), and let’s dive into the splendid spectacle of a reading marathon!
The Meaning Behind Lāčplēsis Day
Let’s not forget the reason we’re celebrating this! On this day back in 1919, while some were probably debating the best way to cook potatoes, the Latvian army was up north facing down the menacing Bermontians. Those crafty foes thought they could take what wasn’t theirs—classic bullies, right? But thanks to our braver-than-a-bear army, victory was snatched from the jaws of defeat!
A Reading Marathon of Epic Proportions
Now, I don’t know about you, but when I think of marathons, I picture runners puffing on energy gels and the occasional person regretting their life choices. But this reading marathon is different. It’s intellectual fitness at its finest! Five cities—Riga, Jelgava, Daugavpils, Kuldīga, and Valmiera—joined forces in a relay of literary excellence, flipping open the pages of Lāčplēsis like pros! More than 320 readers—yes, 320—collectively channeling their inner poet-warrior as they recited passages from Latvian epic literature. That’s right, everyone took turns reading pieces from this legendary poem, making it feel like the Stars Wars of literature, but with less lightsabers and more Viking references.
Over 320 people are expected to read the epic in total as part of this inspiring event.
From Riga to Rahravel
So, where did all the reading excitement happen? Let’s just say if you were in Latvia and didn’t know about this, you clearly missed a literary festival! From the iconic Rātslaukum in Riga to the cultural center of Valmiera—even Kuldīga decided it wanted a slice of action. Each location hosted reading stations, where readers picked up the baton of prose and passed it onto the next. Talk about a relay race for the brain!
International Involvement: A Global Affair
Meanwhile, Latvian diaspora didn’t want to be left out of the fun! With the wonders of modern technology, readers from 16 different countries—including the U.S., Canada, and even Egypt—sent in video fragments of their own readings. Can we just appreciate how much effort that took? A true global community joined in, proving once again that Latvians are everywhere, even when we don’t realize it. There are Latvians in every corner of the world—somewhere there’s probably a Latvian reading Lāčplēsis on the moon right now!
Why This Epic Matters
For those of you wondering what the fuss about Lāčplēsis is—let me enlighten you. It’s more than just a story; it’s a symbol of the very essence of the Latvian spirit. It encapsulates the struggle for independence and embodies the values of bravery and solidarity. It’s like the Latvian version of The Lord of the Rings, but with less hobbits and more bear-fighting heroes. This day isn’t just about celebrating victories; it’s also a remembrance of those who fought valiantly and fell for the freedom of Latvia. We tip our hats to them with all the respect they deserve!
Wrapping Up the Epic Celebration
So, whether you took part in person or watched from a cozy corner with a hot drink, let’s raise a glass to those who read, those who fought, and those who continue to cherish Latvia’s epic history. After all, reading is like exercising for the brain—just without the sweat and windedness, though it can get you worked up at times! Let’s keep the pride alive and keep reading!
MIA representative Alice Avota spoke enthusiastically about the engaging reading marathon dedicated to the epic “Lāčplēsis”, a cornerstone of Latvian culture.
What we commemorate on November 11, or Lāčplēš day
On November 11, 1919, the Latvian army achieved a historic victory by decisively defeating Bermont’s forces in Pārdaugava after launching a counterattack from Bolderāja on November 3. This pivotal event marked a turning point during the War of Independence, showcasing the resilience and determination of the Latvian army, which fought valiantly to secure the nation’s freedom.
The reading marathon of the epic “Lāčplēsis” was a grand event that took place in five cities across Latvia: Riga, Jelgava, Daugavpils, Kuldīga, and Valmiera.
Reading stations were strategically placed in these locations to encourage community participation. Organizers from the Ministry of Education and Science (IZM) welcomed everyone to join in as they took turns reading passages from the epic, collectively aiming to complete the entire work.
It is planned that more than 320 people will read the epic in total, fostering a deep appreciation for Latvian literature.
The reading marathon of the epic “Lāčplēsis” took place in the following locations:
- Riga, Rātslaukum;
- In Valmiera, between the Valmiera Culture Center and the shopping center “Valleta”;
- Kuldīga County Council;
- in Jelgava, Sv. in the tower square of the Trinity Church, near the Jānis Čakste monument;
- In Daugavpils, near Riga Street 39.
Diaspora Latvians demonstrated remarkable involvement in this cultural initiative as well. They were invited to contribute video recordings of themselves reading excerpts from the epic. Readers from 16 different countries—including the United States, Canada, Ireland, Norway, Greece, Egypt, Switzerland, and Australia—submitted over 120 video fragments that enriched the marathon experience. These readings will be seamlessly interspersed with the live performances throughout the event.
Actor and avid reading advocate Kārlis Arnolds Avots had the honor of inaugurating the reading marathon on the significant occasion of Lāčplēs Day.
Andrej Pumpura’s “Lāčplēsis” is revered as a potent symbol of the Latvian people’s struggle for independence and self-determination, a sentiment strongly echoed by the Ministry of Education and Culture.
CONTEXT:
Lāčplēš Day commemorates the monumental events of 1919 that unfolded on the left bank of the Daugava in Riga during a critical phase of the Latvian Freedom Struggle. The decisive battle on November 11 led to the liberation of Pārdaugava from Bermont’s forces, an achievement accomplished by a resilient army that had only recently declared its independence. This day not only celebrates a significant military triumph but also honors the brave souls who sacrificed their lives in the relentless quest for Latvia’s freedom.
**Interview with Alice Avota: Celebrating Lāčplēsis Day Through a Unique Reading Marathon**
**Editor:** Hello, Alice! Thank you for joining us. This year’s Lāčplēsis Day reading marathon sounds incredibly inspiring. Can you tell our readers a bit about the significance of Lāčplēsis Day?
**Alice Avota:** Absolutely! Lāčplēsis Day, celebrated on November 11, commemorates a pivotal moment in Latvian history—our army’s victory over the Bermont forces in 1919. It symbolizes our struggle for independence and embodies the bravery of those who fought for our freedom.
**Editor:** That’s such an important part of Latvian heritage. Now, the reading marathon took place across five cities. What motivated the organizers to choose this format?
**Alice Avota:** We wanted to create a unique and engaging way for people to connect with our epic literature. The reading marathon is not just about reciting text; it’s a way to celebrate our cultural identity and to involve the community in something meaningful. Plus, it showcases the epic *Lāčplēsis*, which is a cornerstone of Latvian culture.
**Editor:** It sounds like a great way to unite people! More than 320 readers participated. Can you share how the reading stations were set up?
**Alice Avota:** Certainly! We had reading stations in each city—Riga, Jelgava, Daugavpils, Kuldīga, and Valmiera. Each location was a hub where readers took turns reciting passages from *Lāčplēsis*, almost like a relay race for the mind! It encouraged not only participation but also a sense of shared pride and community spirit.
**Editor:** That’s fantastic! I understand that the event also reached overseas, with contributions from the Latvian diaspora. How did that work?
**Alice Avota:** Yes! Thanks to technology, readers from 16 different countries sent in video recordings of themselves reading passages. This truly highlighted the global Latvian community’s connection to our culture, showing that no matter where they are, they still want to be part of this celebration.
**Editor:** It’s amazing to see such international involvement! What do you believe the reading marathon achieved in terms of fostering appreciation for Latvian literature?
**Alice Avota:** By inviting so many to experience *Lāčplēsis*, we hope to deepen their appreciation not just for this epic but for Latvian literature as a whole. It’s about instilling a sense of identity and pride in our heritage. We want everyone, young and old, to engage with our stories and history.
**Editor:** That’s a beautiful message, Alice. As we wrap up, what do you hope participants take away from this event?
**Alice Avota:** I hope everyone walks away with a renewed sense of pride in their heritage and a greater understanding of the significance of our past. Reading together, we honor our history and those who fought for our freedom, and we celebrate the bond that literature creates among us all.
**Editor:** Thank you so much for sharing your insights, Alice! Here’s to another successful Lāčplēsis Day celebration!