A photography collection in the colors of the Ukrainian flag

A photography collection “Signs of Support for Ukraine in Latvia” has been published in the Digital Archive of the Latvian Folklore Archives.

The collection documents the symbolic expressions of solidarity shown by Latvian society toward Ukraine since Russia’s full-scale invasion on February 24, 2022. From the very first days of the war, Riga’s urban environment—especially the city center—began to change: buildings and monuments were illuminated in the colors of the Ukrainian flag, and flags were displayed throughout the city. Kalpaka Boulevard became the central site of protest and support—opposite the Embassies of Russia and Ukraine and in the square near the Congress Hall. However, signs of solidarity appeared across all neighborhoods of Riga, in other Latvian cities, and even in smaller towns and villages.

Ukrainian flags on façades, balconies, and windows, in shopfronts and cafés; graffiti, drawings, stickers, posters; blue-and-yellow clothing and accessories; solidarity messages on T-shirts; even flowerbeds of blue and yellow blooms and sunflowers—all served as visible expressions of support. Many of these displays were organized by official institutions (state and municipal offices, public transport), while others reflected individual citizens’ initiatives. Condemning Russia’s military aggression, people across democratic nations continue to express solidarity with Ukraine—by donating to soldiers and victims, hosting refugees, participating in demonstrations, and voicing their stance in public spaces.

The collection consists mainly of digital photographs submitted to the Latvian Folklore Archives, most of them anonymously in 2022, along with responses to the online survey “Ukrainian Flags in Latvia.” The survey gathered 93 participants, who shared their motivations and attitudes: “Support for an independent country like ours,” “No to occupation!” “Ukrainians are fighting for our shared values,” and others. (The analysis of this survey will soon be published in issue No. 54 of the journal Letonica.)

The second part of the collection comprises fieldwork materials by folklorist Rita Grīnvalde—a selection of photographs of Riga’s urban environment taken in 2022, 2023, and 2024.

If you would like to contribute your own photographs to this collection, please contact lfk@lulfmi.lv. Images from regions outside Riga are especially welcome.

LFK [2266] – Photography Collection “Signs of Support for Ukraine in Latvia” was created with the support of the Latvian Council of Science project “Experience in the City: Narratives, Memories and Urban Heritage” (No. lzp-2020/1-0096) and the State Culture Capital Foundation.

LFK 2266, 130. Dzirnavu Street, Riga. May 4, 2022. Photo by Rita Grīnvalde.