Thousands in Riga commemorate victory over Nazism in WWII

A number of events were held in Riga on Thursday to mark the anniversary of the defeat of Nazism in World War II, local media reported.

Traditionally, the largest gathering took place in Victory Park by a large Soviet-era monument, drawing thousands of people, as well as representatives of the Latvian capital's local government and diplomats of foreign embassies.

The event in Victory Park was organized by 9maijs NGO. Its program featured various festive performances by local artists, as well as singers and dance groups from neighboring countries.

While the Victory Day events in the park took place from early morning till late evening, ending with a firework display, a procession was held in the afternoon to remember people who perished in the war.

That procession was joined by some 4,000 people, who marched carrying photos of fallen soldiers and their relatives killed in the war.