Riga Cemetery Opening Hours in 2026 and Preparing the Grave

The season of cemetery remembrance days (kapusvētki) in Latvia runs from July to September, and each cemetery or parish sets its own date. If you plan to visit a relative's resting place, it is best to find out the date and the cemetery opening hours in advance — so there is time to put the grave in order. This article covers the essentials: how to find the date, what the summer opening hours of Riga cemeteries are and how to prepare the grave step by step.

If reaching the cemetery is difficult or the grave is badly overgrown, Riga City Funeral Service can help with grave care and transport. Call any time: +371 2944 9849

When cemetery remembrance days take place in 2026 and how to find the date

There is no single date for all of Riga — each cemetery holds its day separately, usually on a Saturday or Sunday in the second half of summer. The date is set by the cemetery administrator or the relevant parish and announced a few weeks ahead. You can find your date in three ways:

• in the notice from the cemetery administrator or the city cemetery authority (posted at the cemetery gates and on municipal channels);
• at the nearest parish, if a service is planned for the day;
• by calling us — we will tell you the date and opening hours of a specific cemetery if they are already known.

Riga cemetery opening hours in summer

The large Riga cemeteries are open to visitors every day, and in the summer season the opening hours are longer than in winter. Below are approximate ranges to plan your visit by; check the exact hours of a specific cemetery with the administrator or by phone.

The most convenient time to tidy the grave is on a weekday before the day itself — there are fewer people at the cemetery and it is easier to drive up. For a list of Riga cemeteries and their locations, see the cemeteries section.

How to prepare the grave: steps

Tidying the site before the day usually takes a single visit. The recommended order:

1. clear fallen leaves, branches and last year's flowers, and weed the plot;
2. wash the monument or plaque with water and a soft brush;
3. check the wooden or metal cross — repaint or replace it if needed;
4. level the sand surface and add fresh sand if necessary;
5. plant seasonal flowers or lay a wreath and candles.

How we help during the season

If relatives live far away or the grave has not been tended for a long time, you can leave the tidying to us. What we offer:

• a one-off grave clean-up before the day — removing leaves and weeds, washing the monument;
• restoring or replacing the cross and adding sand;
• transport to the cemetery and back for those who find it hard to get there;
• delivery of flowers and wreaths for a set day.

We will schedule the clean-up and transport for your specific remembrance day. Call +371 2944 9849 — the specialist on duty will listen and agree a time.

Leave the grave care to us

Frequently asked questions