Europe Day is widely celebrated in Latvia on May 9

Below we inform you about some of the events in which we invite you to participate. The representation of the European Commission has also created a website summarizing all measures known to it, where more comprehensive information can be found. When communicating on social media, we invite you to use hashtags: EuropasDiena , EuropeDay and LV20ES .

European exam

The European exam, which takes place online on May 7, 8, 9, has become a tradition. The European exam questions are as diverse as Latvia’s benefits from membership in the European Union. The range of questions covers sports, culture, nature, inventions, important events, personalities, etc. Online test suitable for different age groups. The opportunity to learn something new, to test existing knowledge, to think about Europe’s diversity, as well as our opportunities to co-create it, are the most important reasons mentioned by the participants of the European exam, which every year make them want to participate and feel the spirit of the competition. Each participant receives a certificate with the number of points obtained, prizes for the best. 2023. 42,326 participants took part in the European exam.

“Handshake for Europe” activity

This year marks the start of a new Europe Day tradition – “Handshake for Europe”. This tradition originated in Ireland and is based on the idea that a handshake is a symbol of respect, cooperation and equality – the core values ​​of the EU. Celebrating the 20th anniversary of Latvia’s accession to the EU and celebrating democracy, we invite schools to participate in the activity “Handshake for Europe.” Each age group can use the type of handshake most suitable for it. For example, on Europe Day, primary school students can use the offered game card and shake hands with the principal of their school, a smiling person, or a person whose clothes are a certain color, etc. ; while high school students use technology, social media and apps for handshakes. The rules of the activity can be found here: Handshake for Europe.

Orientation game “SEE EUROPE”

9. in May from From 12:00 to 16:00, the orientation game “SEE EUROPE” jointly organized by the three Riga State Gymnasiums and EU House will take place, in which everyone interested is invited to participate. There are five thematic checkpoints in the orienteering game, one each at Riga State 1st Gymnasium, 2nd Gymnasium and 3rd Gymnasium, one checkpoint each in the House of the EU and at the Saeima. Game participants will receive a game participant card with 10 tasks on EU enlargement, the euro, European values, culture and Latvia in the EU at each checkpoint. Answering each of the 10 questions will earn you stamps. Both children and adults are invited to participate in the orienteering game. Information about the orientation game route, rules will be available on the game card and at each of the game checkpoints. Every participant of the game is invited to participate in the draw for the game prize by submitting a completed game card to the EU house, Aspazijas boulevard 28. Information about the winners of the draw will be published on the FB account of the EU house.

The Big European Hour online on Europe Day

The goal of the Great European Hour is to include all Latvian educational institutions in the celebration of Europe Day and the 20th anniversary of Latvia’s accession to the EU. The class will be held on Europe Day, May 9, from 9:00 a.m. to 9:40 a.m. You will be able to participate in the class by following the live broadcast on the Delfi portal, on the website esmaja.lv and on the Facebook profiles of the EU website and the EC representation. All Latvian educational institutions, as well as anyone interested, are invited to participate in the class.

“Back to school/Back to university 2024” promotion

The campaign has been going on for 16 years “Back to School/ Back to University 2024”. During it, we invite experts from various fields to go to educational institutions and share their knowledge and experience, talking about the current affairs of the EU in various fields, as well as learning about different professions and skills.

European picnic at the Saeima House

The Saeima invites you to celebrate Latvia’s 20th anniversary in the European Union together by gathering at the Saeima building on May 9 at 12.45! There will be an opportunity to enjoy European national dishes prepared by the embassies, treat yourself to a festive cake, participate in the erudition game and spend time for informal conversations.

Latvian – European cinema

On May 9, the National Cinema Center invites you to free screenings in Riga cinemas, shot in the Europa Cinemas network of European cinemas. In honor of 20 years since Latvia was admitted to the European Union and 10 years since the Latvian film industry has been supported by the European Fund Creative Europe MEDIA, Latvian films made with the support of the fund will be shown in cinemas: May 9, 18:00 Kino Bize in Riga – documentary film Bridges of Time (2018)

On May 9, 17:00 K. Suns in Riga – documentary film General Plan (2016)

May 9, 18:00 K. Suns in Riga – documentary film Ukrainian sheriffs (2016)

On May 9, 20:00 K. Suns in Riga – feature film Jelgava ’94 (2019)

Democracy celebration

The celebration of democracy is organized by the Latvian Civil Alliance as part of the Democracy Week on May 9. Participation in the festival is free and will be held at the AB Dam, NOASS Art Center. The holiday program includes a varied gastronomic and thought-provoking offer of talks, discussions and billboards from 10:00 a.m. to 20:30. On the Democracy Day, the morning event will start with waffles and a social economy breakfast. A discussion about civil society with candidates for the European Parliament will take place at the open table. Lunch will be served with a political poster, an election simulation with the creation of a joint rasola. At the end of the festivities, a party celebrating democracy. You can get acquainted with the program of the event at ej.uz/demokratijas24

Concert “Gloria”. Latvia’s 20 years in the European Union

9. in May at 19.00 everyone is invited to attend the concert “Gloria”. Latvia’s 20 years in Europe in the Union, Riga Anglican St. In the Church of the Savior. In the program: the cantata “Gloria” by French composer Francis Poulenc, the song cycle “Songs of Innocence” by Aivars Kalėjas with poetry by William Blake, compositions by Imantas Kalniņš and Erik Ešenvald. The mixed choir “Jasmīnas koris” of the Northern Riga cultural association VEF Culture Palace, Marlēna Keine (soprano), Līga Dejus on the organ, conductor Vita Timermane, participates. The concert is organized by the “Inspiration Fund” foundation

The Great Euro Quiz

The Ministry of Welfare has been organizing for the fifth year online erudition game 10-11 class students to test and supplement their knowledge about the European Union, its values ​​and diversity, the welfare sector and the contribution of EU funds to it in an adventurous, entertaining and unifying atmosphere. This year, the participants will be divided and evaluated in six groups: Vidzeme, Kurzeme, Zemgale, Latgale, Selia and in the territory of the city of Riga. The six best classes in all of Latvia will receive a gift card worth 500 euros to pay for a class bonding event of their choice. The class with the best result in Latvia will receive an additional 500 euros. In order to participate in the quiz, the teacher had to register his class on eurovikorina.lv until April 30. The quiz can be played remotely at any convenient time online between May 7 and 20. The results will be announced on May 21. More information about EuroQuiz.

EVENTS IN THE REGIONS

Europe Day 2024 celebrations in the regions will be celebrated with a multifaceted program of events and activities for the most diverse population groups. Below are just some of the events in the regions of Latvia, a full summary of events is available on the website of the European Commission.

in the Latgale region, the program of Europe Day events on May 8 and 9 will include several activities throughout the day. So, on May 8 in Daugavpils throughout the day, starting at 10.00, “Daugavpils European Debate Battles” will take place. Young people from Latvia and Lithuania will participate in the event and debate about the 20 years of EU enlargement and the European Parliament elections. In the program of the event “European backyard celebration”, brain games “Know Europe”, as well as a youth graffiti workshop, where works of art on European themes will be created.

9. in May in Livani, In the common yard of Livani 1st secondary school and Culture Center, in cooperation with several organizations, the European yard festival will be celebrated. At the event with the tents of almost 15 different organizations, children, young people and city residents will have the opportunity to learn about various current events, watch improvisational theater, engage in interactive activities, participate in contests and discussions and watch various performances. On the other hand, the youngest viewers will have the opportunity to delve into the atmosphere of the European Parliament elections through a theatrical-educational event.

On the other hand in Rezekne, on May 9 The discussion “20 years in the European Union – achievements and future plans” will take place in Rēzekne Central Library in cooperation with Europe Direct East Latgale Center. Children and young people are invited to the Rēzekne Children’s Library, where there will be a creative workshop “European symbols for your own hands” and an afternoon of board games “I, you, we – Europe.”

in the Kurzeme region, on May 9 “Liepāja 2027” sailing campaign will take place, which will take place Liepāja, Dienvikkurzeme and Kuldīga counties. In the campaign, communities of residents are invited to decorate their sails. On Europe Day, the entire territory of the European Capital of Culture 2027 is planned to raise sails at 6 p.m. in order to embark on a common journey to 2027.

9. in May The National Cinema Center invites you to a free screening of the feature film Ausma (2015). In Talsi cinema “Auseklis”. This cinema is included in the European cinema network Europa Cinemas. In honor of 20 years since Latvia was admitted to the European Union, and 10 years since the Latvian film industry has been supported by the European Fund Creative Europe MEDIA, Latvian films shot with the support of the foundation will be shown in cinemas in Riga and Talsi. There will also be a chance to meet the director Laila Pakalnin in Talso.

in the Vidzeme region on May 8 a seminar will be held In Madonna. The topics of the seminar are devoted to the achievements in Madonas, Varakļani district and Latvia in the 20th year of Latvia’s accession to the EU and to the discussion of the writings of the Baltic countries. Participants: Liega Piešiņa, Arno Jungze, Māris Salējs.

9. In May, the President of the Republic of Latvia Edgars Rinkēvičs will visit Gulbene regionat the Europe Direct Gulbene center, the president will familiarize himself with the activity of the center, participate in the activity “Vote for your closest European value”, and also participate in the “Handshake for Europe” campaign.

On the other hand on May 10 in Staicele city library the discussion “From 500 landfills to the circular economy, or what 20 years in the European Union have changed in our economy” will be held, the discussion will be led by Dr. Erika Legzdiņa.

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