Latgale is a self-evident and inseparable part of Latvia

The Latgale Congress of 1917 was one of the most important steps on the way to the Latvian state. Emphasizing the historical events of that time, from 2019, April 27 is recorded as the day of the Latgale Congress in the calendar of national celebration and commemoration days.

Andrejs Elksniņš, chairman of Daugavpils municipal council, emphasizes: “Latgale is a self-evident and integral part of Latvia! We are aware of this, and 107 years ago, Latgale politicians and public workers were also aware of it, who made the decision to unite Latgale with Vidzeme and Kurzeme, forming a single nation. The 1917 Latgale Congress was one of the first and most important steps on the way to a united Latvia.

Even today, every resident of Latvia should keep in mind that Latvia is a united and indivisible country, so the eastern border should be stopped as opposed to the other regions of Latvia. Despite our different cultural-historical identity, which was formed by interacting with the minorities living here for centuries, we are united by a common love for our land, respect for our country, values ​​and fellow human beings.

Speaking of belonging to Latvia, we must not forget the Latvian language, which is the common wealth of Latvia. Myusim does not have a cytys state that would care about myusu volud and myusu culture. May the Latgalian continue to live!

Let the Latgale Congress of 1917 serve as a reminder of the goals that our ancestors set 107 years ago and whose achievement is still relevant today.”

Along with the changes in the political situation in Russia after the February revolution of 1917, favorable conditions arose to implement the right of peoples to self-determination. Taking advantage of the new freedoms, the old power structures were overthrown and new democratic governing institutions were created on the territory of the Russian Empire.

Already in March 1917 in Pēterpilis (in St. Petersburg), in the presence of 66 Latvians from Latgale, a decision was made about the need for Latgale to unite with the rest of the counties inhabited by Latvians. This decision had to be taken by the representatives of the residents of Latgale at a specially organized meeting.

The first congress of Latgale was held on April 26 and 27, 1917 (after the new style on May 9 and 10) In Rezekne. In total, 232 delegates participated in the congress. Representatives of Latgale churches and parishes, representatives of Latgale associations, riflemen and colonies became delegates. In total, 118 invited guests took part in the congress, among them the later foreign minister Siegfrieds Anna Meierovics.

The congress was held in an emotional atmosphere. Both supporters and opponents of the idea of ​​unification of Latvian-inhabited counties gathered in Rēzekne. Sharp discussions, clashes and even attacks took place. However, a common denominator was found – Latgale should merge with Vidzeme and Kurzeme.

The proceedings of the Latgale congress are reflected in the press editions of that time, in the memories of the participants recorded several years after the event. Since 2019, the day of the Latgale Congress has been designated as a day to be celebrated throughout the country.

Photo: delegates of the 1917 Latgale Congress. The author is unknown. Source: www.enciklopedija.lv

Information prepared by:

Daugavpils state city municipalities

Department of Public Relations