Commemoration Day of the German and Soviet Occupations in Rēzekne
On March 31, 2026, an event of the project Survive: Stories of Women and Children’s Resilience in World War II took place in Rēzekne – the Commemoration Day of the German and Soviet Occupations, dedicated to remembering the tragic events of the 1940s.
During the day, participants took part in an educational program, including a historical tour of Rēzekne, visiting significant memorial sites such as the “Treasure House of the Free State,” as well as traveling to the memorial site of the residents of Audriņi village and the Ančupāni Memorial in Rēzekne municipality. These locations provided a deeper understanding of the tragic events of World War II and offered an opportunity to honor the victims.
As part of the event, 3D scanning of World War II objects was also carried out, contributing to the preservation and accessibility of historical heritage for the future.
The evening concluded with a special commemorative concert – a musical performance by the group Latgales Klezmeri. It took place at a time when the events of April 1944 are remembered, when Rēzekne was heavily bombed and largely destroyed. The concert was dedicated to the memory of the Jewish community, which had been an important part of the city’s cultural and social life before the war.
Through klezmer music, stories of loss, hope, and resilience were conveyed, creating a deeply emotional and unifying atmosphere. The evening served as a reminder of historical tragedies and, at the same time, of the human ability to preserve hope and celebrate life.
This project is funded by the European Union through the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values (CERV) Programme and co-financed by the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Latvia.
