Restoration of Independence Day is observed in Latvia every May 4, commemorating the declaration “On the Restoration of Independence of the Republic of Latvia” adopted in 1990, shortly before the dissolution of the Soviet Union. This public holiday marks the anniversary of Latvia's declaration of independence, which originally occurred in 1918, with international recognition following two years later. The country lost its sovereignty in 1940 when the Soviet Union invaded and annexed Latvia, renaming it the Latvian Soviet Socialist Republic. The late 1980s saw a rise in national movements within Soviet republics, with Latvia being one of the first to hold large demonstrations for autonomy and independence. The Supreme Soviet of the Latvian SSR proclaimed the restoration of independence on May 4, 1990, and full independence was achieved on August 21, 1991. This day is one of the most significant public holidays in Latvia, reflecting the nation's historical struggle for sovereignty.