Riga marks Spain’s National Day with military display

Riga marked Spain’s National Day on Saturday with a flag-raising ceremony and flower-laying at the Freedom Monument, followed by a display of Spanish military equipment, LSM reported.

Visitors were able to speak with Spanish soldiers and try paella. Spain’s National Day is officially celebrated on October 12, but the event was held early in Riga to allow more people to attend.

Spanish Ambassador Ricardo Díez-Hochleitner Custo said the celebration was open to everyone, including residents of Latvia and visitors to the city.

Spanish troops have served in Latvia for nine years. The contingent has grown from an initial 350 soldiers to more than 600, making it the country’s second-largest allied contingent. Spain is one of 13 countries contributing to NATO’s multinational brigade in Latvia.