Milwaukee’s City Hall is opening its doors to a week of Latvian cultural immersion, celebrating the rich tapestry of Latvia’s history and the contributions of the Latvian-American community to the city's diverse cultural landscape, as per information from a news release by the City of Milwaukee.
Starting Tuesday, November 11, from 5 – 7:30 p.m., the City Hall Rotunda at 200 E. Wells St., will host the opening reception for "We are Latvian!", an enlightening museum exhibit that walks visitors through Latvia's journey from serfdom all the way to its current standing as a free democracy and a partner of NATO the public can visit the exhibit anytime during normal City Hall hours throughout the week. The Alderman Peter Burgelis, who also doubles as the Chairperson of the Wisconsin Latvian Cultural Foundation, is behind the curation of these events, with the support of the Embassy of Latvia, as highlighted in the advisory published on the City of Milwaukee's official website.
The celebration continues with a commemorative event for Latvian Independence Day scheduled for Sunday, November 16, beginning at 11 a.m. at the same venue. This particular event marks the 107th anniversary of Latvia regaining its independence and will feature speeches and cultural performances. Among those anticipated to attend are Elita Kuzma, Latvian Ambassador to the United States, and Mayor Cavalier Johnson, who are expected to participate in the program.
Alderman Burgelis emphasized the city's drive to acknowledge and celebrate its multicultural constituents, "Milwaukee’s strength is its people and their stories. These events invite our city to experience Latvia’s history, art, and resilience in the heart of City Hall. I look forward to a festive week ahead," he said in a statement, with a tone of anticipation for the upcoming events. The week-long cultural showcase aims to promote cultural awareness while fostering a sense of community that reflects Milwaukee’s diverse and vibrant character, as per the City of Milwaukee's official website.
