Two of them received it at the ZOO Park in Riga on occasion of the Large Families Day organized by the Latvian Large Families Association the 1st of May. The third municipality received the award on May 31st.
On May 1, 2025, during a special event held at the Riga Zoo, diplomas of membership in the European Network of Family-Friendly Municipalities were officially presented to two Latvian local authorities: Ādaži Novads Municipality, represented by Chairperson Karīna Miķelsonė, and the City of Riga, represented by Deputy Mayor Edvards Ratnieks.
These certificates mark their formal inclusion in the growing network of municipalities committed to promoting family-friendly policies and supporting large families throughout Europe.
The third diploma was presented to the chairman of the Bauska Novads Municipality Aivars Okmanis, on an event which took place on May 31st on occasion of the 20th anniversary of the Vecumnieki Large Families Association “Saulgrieze” (“Sunflower”).
Large Families Day at Riga Zoo
The third edition of the Large Families Day that took place at the Riga Zoo the first of May was very successful. During that day large families could enter to the Zoo Park for only 1 euro, regardless the number of children, thanks to the support of SEB Bank. 987 large families from all Latvia enjoyed a wonderful day at the ZOO
The ceremonial part of the celebration was opened by Jānis Rudzītis, Chairman of the Board of the Riga National Zoo, together with Elīna Treija and Gatis Eglīte, members of the Board of the Latvian Association of Large Families, and 12 eaders of all 12 associations that make up the Latvian association.
The Large Families Association of Latvia organized a festival at the Zoo, with concerts, perfomances, games, competition, etc. The vocal group “Karameles” and the actors of the Riga Puppet Theatre Club with their puppet show “Moon Butterfly” were always present at the celebration. Illusionist Valdemārs took to the stage again, and this time also clown Gregorijs. The Latvian Samaritan Association organized an activity to catch aquatic creatures with fishing rods. LIDL offered ice creams and LUPIL organized a crawling championship.
During the ceremonial part of the event, Honorary Families of Riga, nominated by the municipality, were awarded, and other municipalities members of the European Network of Family-Fiendly Municipalities, and family organizations, as well as especially grandparents, who were nominated for the honor by grandchildren from large families. The families’ stories and photos were also on display in the Tropical House of Riga Zoo throughout the month of May.
