Around one half of the population in Latvia intends to participate in the main Riga 800 anniversary celebration events in August

Around one half of the population in Latvia intends to participate in the main Riga 800 anniversary celebration events in August, according to a poll carried out by SKDS in July. 49.6 percent of the respondents claimed that they would participate in the capital city`s birthday celebrations, 33.6 percent claim that they do not wish to participate, and 16.8 percent did not know if they would participate. The poll shows that more younger people would like to participate, for example 67.4 percent between the age of 18 and 24 will be attending the celebrations, while 32.8 percent of the population above the age of 55 intends to participate. Participation also directly depends on the level of income, with 81.5 percent respondents with a monthly income of at least 127 lats participating, and 31.5 percent participating of those with a monthly income below 42. Rural respondents will find it harder to attend the party with 38.1 percent intending to participate and 67.7 percent of Riga residents participating. The main events and climax of the Riga 800 anniversary celebrations are expected to take place on August 17, 18, and 19, with various events across all of Riga. half an hour before midnight on August 18, a musical and lighting performance will be held on the River Daugava, central Riga.