08 May 2018 | 08:26 PM UTC
Lativa: Victory Day commemorations May 9
Victory Day events to take place in Riga May 9; traffic disruptions and crowded conditions expected
Event
Events commemorating the end of World War II will be held in the capital of Riga on Wednesday, May 9. A flower laying ceremony will be held at the Victory Monument starting at 10:00 (local time). Later, at 16:00, a march is expected to be held between the Maritime Park Hotel and the Victory Monument. Another parade is scheduled to begin at 18:00 in Old Town. Around 10,000 people are expected to participate in the events. Heightened security measures and localized traffic disruptions are anticipated in the city.
Context
May 9 marks the end of World War II in Eastern Europe and is largely celebrated by the Russian-speaking population in Latvia. In 2017, around 55,000 people took part in the commemorations.
Advice
Individuals in Latvia, particularly in Riga, are advised to monitor the situation, avoid all demonstrations as a precaution, obey any instructions issued by the local authorities, and anticipate increased travel times due to traffic congestion and increased security measures surrounding commemorative events.
