As Latvia approaches its 105th birthday, the local store chain top! is keeping up with the tradition it started 10 years ago. From 2 to 18 November, every customer will receive a red-white-red flag ribbon to wear close to their heart, because the most beautiful gift for Latvia every day is that we are united – all for one!
“This year, more than in other years, we want to remind our loved ones: the most beautiful gift for Latvia every day is that we are all united, that we are all for one! Latvians are a strong nation – they are known for their ability to come together during both joyous and difficult times, which is a significant aspect of our national identity. Through the distribution of festive ribbons representing the flag at top! stores, we aim to highlight the shared traditions and sense of community that define us, and also convey the message: we are proud to be Latvians. As a local company, we see it as our duty to uphold the values of our community, foster a sense of unity, and embrace the diverse qualities that make each of us unique. Unity is the key factor that brings everyone together, driven by their deep affection for our country – Latvia,” says Ilze Priedīte, Member of the Management Board and Marketing Director of the store chain top!, describing the feelings of the upcoming holiday.
The red-white-red ribbon holds immense importance in our nation’s history, serving as a powerful symbol of Latvian identity. It represents the unity, strength, and resilience of the Latvian people across generations. There is no regulated way to wear the ribbon, but we suggest attaching it to your clothing near the heart, with the corners facing upwards. This creates a stylised letter "V" that represents victory. The ribbon, attached to clothing in this manner, also creates a stylised number "11", symbolising 11 November 1919, when the soldiers of the Latvian army triumphed over Bermondt’s troops.
“We have noticed that the flag-shaped ribbons bring a unique sense of joy to the youngest shoppers. We highly recommend that parents, grandparents, and teachers take the opportunity to share with them the story of Latvia, its independence, and its rich traditions. We also encourage families to embrace the festive season by sharing their cherished memories, participating in the tradition of lighting candles on Lāčplēša Day, coming together around the festive table on 18 November, and commemorating the Proclamation Day of the Republic of Latvia,” encourages Ilze Priedīte, Member of the Management Board and Marketing Director of the store chain top!.
Just like every year, the store chain top! has once again curated a selection of special themed recipes for the festive table. We are offering the opportunity to prepare Latvian-style dishes for this holiday season. Some of the mouth-watering options include a red-white-red cake, Latvian-style dressed herring, and a layered rye bread dessert. You can find the detailed preparation methods for these dishes and more under the Recipes section on the website of the local top!.
May the period of celebrating Latvian holidays be heartfelt, filled with acts of kindness and uplifting thoughts!
About the retail store chain top!
The retail store chain top! is the largest store chain owned by Latvian business and the third largest retail chain in Latvia. There are currently 206 food stores in Latvia operating under the trademark top!, owned by 12 local companies. In total, more than 3,500 jobs are provided, supporting local producers and suppliers across Latvia.