New passports for Latvian citizens inspired by Song and Dance Celebration

Starting with Wednesday, January 28th, Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs will issue a new model of passports for Latvian citizens. The fourth edition of Latvian citizen passports since the restoration of independence of the Republic of Latvia will not only have improved forgery counter-measures, but will also have a new look to them.

The objective of the new design was to find the best definitions for words «identity» and «travel» that comply with the main functions of this personal identification document. This time the main inspiration for the overall design was drawn from All-Latvian Song and Dance Celebration, which is an important part of national identity for Latvians, as reported by OCMA.

‘The first page of the new edition of passports features a motif drawn from Ligo emblem, which has been carried through the ages by our people and remains an important tradition from the very first Song Celebration in 1873. The page also features a fragment from the national anthem and the coat of arms of the Republic of Latvia. The passport also features motifs from the Song and Dance procession, which symbolizes vitality and progress towards a common goal. Lielvarde belt has also been used in the passport – it is a special unifying graphical element that is woven through al pages of the passport. Watermark images feature: dancing pairs, Latvian national musical instrument kokle, lyrics of Latvian national anthem and other notable elements from Latvia’s history, culture and traditions,’ – as reported by the office.

OCMA plans to begin issuing the next edition of service and diplomatic passports, Latvian non-citizen passports, as well as travel documents for asylum seekers, refugees and persons provided with alternative status.

BNN 

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