November 11 Embankment, Riga

Place for meetings, various fests and celebrations and for parade marches.

11. Novembra krastmala is named in honor of the 11,000 Latvians, who on 11 November 1919 finally defeated the armies of Russia and Germany who were trying to take over Riga (51,000 men). Before that day many of Latvian soldiers never held a rifle.
A few weeks later (1st December 1919) the invading armies were expelled from the rest of Latvia.

Coordinates:   56°56'51"N   24°6'13"E

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11. novembra krastmala in Latvian means The Embankment of November 11, one of the most important and widest streets in Riga. Krastmala has an amusing sidewalk running along the Daugava river, which is one of my favourite spots to have a walk, jogging or simply enjoy Riga’s riverside view sitting on one of embankment’s benches.

Historically Krastmala was a big marketplace, but after First World War, the marketplace was removed, small houses were demolished and this spot became a modern embankment.

During public holidays and massive city events 11. novembra krastmala turns into a massive stage, for example it is the location for the start and finish of the annual Riga Marathon, a great spot to celebrate Ligo (the Midsummer night) and watch the New Year’s fireworks. The military parade of Latvian Independence day, 18th of November, also is performed here.

In summer Krastmala is also a great spot to take a river touristic boat around or take a trip to Jurmala, a small resort town on the sea.

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