“Echoes of the Three Christmas Battles” – an informative and peaceful Advent evening in Ogre

On December 6, 2025, the Ogre History and Art Museum invited residents and city guests to the event “Echoes of the Three Christmas Battles,” which combined historical research, poetry, and live music. The event took place at the Ogre History and Art Museum on Brīvības Street.

When we hear the term “Christmas Battles,” we most often think of the heroic fights of Latvian riflemen in the winter of 1916–1917. However, this evening offered a broader perspective, also focusing on the Christmas Battles of partisans and legionnaires, highlighting their significance in Latvia’s story of freedom.

• Historian Ritvars Jansons spoke about the Christmas Battles involving Latvian riflemen, partisans, and legionnaires.
• Poet, journalist, and cultural critic Toms Treibergs read poetry addressing experiences of war, love for the homeland, and human spiritual resilience.
• Musician and multi-instrumentalist Jānis Ruņģis complemented the readings with meditative and improvised music, creating a special atmosphere. A surprise element was also part of the evening.

Before and after the event, visitors were invited to view the museum’s permanent exhibition “The Road to Freedom,” which offers an in-depth look at Latvian history and provides emotional context for the event’s theme. The museum is located just a five-minute walk from Ogre railway station, making it convenient for those arriving from Riga by train.

Place: Ogre History and Art Museum, Brīvības street 2, second floor
Time: December 6, at 16:00
Admission fee: Adults €2.50; seniors and students €1; Ogre resident card holders – free of charge

Toms Treibergs (born 1985) is a Latvian poet and cultural journalist who is actively involved in both the literary and theatre fields. Born in Riga, he spent his childhood in Taurupe and studied audiovisual culture at the Latvian Academy of Culture and theology at the University of Latvia. Since 2004, he has worked in the etude theatre “Nerten” together with writer Svens Kuzmins. Treibergs has also worked at Latvian Television, Latvian Radio, and the news portal TVNET as a cultural editor. He made his poetry debut with the collection “Conditions of Light” (2012), followed by “Fever” (2015) and “Thicket” (2019).

Jānis Ruņģis (born 1990) is one of Latvia’s most prominent musicians – a versatile guitarist and creator of original music. His album “Yggdrasil” received the Zelta mikrofons (Golden Microphone) award for Best Experimental Music Recording. The albums “Beyond Minds”, “Dwellings”, and “Degrees” have also gained recognition from listeners and critics. Ruņģis has collaborated with many well-known artists, including Gustavo, Ainars Mielavs, Elza Rozentāle, Aminata, Linda Leen, and Satellites LV. brivibas2pasakumi-ziemassvetki – 2