In Riga, Ukrainians will perform the Latvian national anthem as a gesture of gratitude
At noon on August 22, near the Freedom Monument in Riga, hundreds of Ukrainians will sing the Latvian national anthem. The event will be the highlight of Latvia’s Day of Gratitude and the three-month “From Heart to Heart” campaign, according to LSM English.
The campaign was initiated by Tetiana Solovyova, head of the “Spiv-i-Pracya” initiative group. According to her, the idea came about after she learned that a choir of over 14,000 participants had performed the Ukrainian national anthem at the 27th All-Latvian Song Festival and the 17th Dance Festival in Mežaparks in 2023. At that time, the Ukrainian national anthem was sung as a sign of solidarity with Ukrainians.
Solovyova suggested that Ukrainians learn the anthem of the country that has become a second home for many of them. Eventually, an impromptu choir formed through daily meetings, and a Latvian conductor joined the group. According to LSM English, the initiative has turned into an annual public event.
The participants want to thank, first and foremost, the people of Latvia—neighbors, teachers, doctors, employers, volunteers, and families who have helped Ukrainians. As part of the campaign, you can receive, sign, and personally present a certificate of appreciation to a specific person or organization.
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Tetyana Solovyova also informed Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs about the initiative. According to her, the president replied to the letter, thanked the organizers, and wished them success in holding the event.
For those wishing to join in singing the anthem, the organizers have created a mobile app featuring the lyrics, the conductor’s instructions, and a karaoke version. Participants and visitors are advised to wear a white T-shirt and blue jeans. The symbol of the campaign will be a sticker in the shape of two hearts in the colors of the Latvian and Ukrainian flags.
The official partner of the initiative is the Latvian organization Sustento, which supports people with special needs. The Ukrainian House in Riga and the Society Integration Foundation are also providing informational support.
