Growing support among Latvians for pan-European holiday observances, as per a recent survey

In a recent survey conducted by LLC "Kantar" from March 13 to 15, the celebration preferences of Latvian citizens were explored. A total of 1,000 respondents aged between 18 and 75 participated in the study, the findings of which suggest a growing support for celebrating Europe Day and the Day of the Defeat of Nazism in Latvia.

The study titled "Celebration of Various Days in Latvia" revealed that the 75th anniversary of NATO's creation on April 4 is to be celebrated by 27.0% of respondents. However, support for the celebration of the Day of the Defeat of Nazism has risen significantly, increasing by 8.5 percentage points from 42.6% to 51.1%. Similarly, support for celebrating Europe Day has risen by 5.3 percentage points over the year, from 48.5% to 53.8%.

Interestingly, there are significant differences in people's opinions on the celebration of different days, depending on the spoken language in the family. People with Russian speakers in the family are more likely to agree that the Day of the Defeat of Nazism on May 8 and the "Victory over Nazi Germany Day" on May 9 should be specially celebrated. On the other hand, people whose family speaks Latvian are relatively less likely to agree with these sentiments.

The biggest difference of opinion is in the celebration of the "Day of Victory over the Nazi Regime in Germany on May 9": 22% of the Latvian-speaking population and 73% of the Russian-speaking population thought that this day should be specially commemorated.

A significant number of respondents (56.2%) think that the Day of the Restoration of Independence of the Republic of Latvia and the Day of the Convocation of the Constitutional Assembly should be the most celebrated days in Latvia. Most respondents (80.5%) believe that the Day of the Restoration of Independence of the Republic of Latvia on May 4 and the Day of the Convocation of the Constitutional Assembly on May 1 should be especially celebrated in Latvia.

Fewer respondents (37.4%) think the 20th anniversary of Latvia's accession to NATO on March 29 should be celebrated. The State Chancellery spent EUR 3,110 (excluding value-added tax) on the study.

The survey findings also highlight a deeply divided and politicized opinion among Russian speakers, especially since the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Many feel conflicted between differing historical narratives and current realities regarding the celebration of "Victory over Nazi Germany Day" on May 9.

In conclusion, the study provides valuable insights into the celebration preferences of Latvian citizens, revealing growing support for Europe Day and the Day of the Defeat of Nazism, as well as significant differences in opinions based on the spoken language in the family.

Growing support among Latvians for pan-European holiday observances, as per a recent survey