Symbols

The use of symbols of Ludza municipality is regulated by provisions “On the use of symbols of Ludza municipality”

Coat of Arms of Ludza municipality

In line with the Law of Heraldic Arms, the coat of arms of the municipality is a separate symbol or a set of symbols developed according to heraldry provisions, incorporated in a certain form and representing a particular municipality.

Background of the coat of arms of Ludza municipality is blue and silver. Blue colour symbolizes greatness and the many lakes of the municipality. Silver traditionally symbolizes openheartedness of the local inhabitants and cleanliness of the nature.

The background is split with a wavy section – with 9 waves, which symbolize 9 rural municipalities of Ludza municipality.

On the blue background, a sword with an upward blade is depicted reminding of the ancient battles, which took place here, and the role of Ludza town in the history of Latvia – to protect and defend the eastern border of the country, which in 2004 became the border of European Union. Gold in the sword’s hilt tells about respect to the history of the municipality and the justice, which returned with the restoration of independence of Latvia.

The emblem of the key on silver background indicates a strategically important geographical location – the municipality is crossed by important east-west transit roads. The key symbolizes the beginning of Latvian towns since Ludza is the oldest town in Latvia. The key opens a new period of development in the history of Ludza municipality.

State Heraldry Commission approved the coat of arms of Ludza municipality on 11 November 2010. Its author is Aivars Buls.

Coat of Arms of Ludza town

On the silver background of the coat of arms of Ludza town, a red brick wall is depicted. Above it, a black key and a white sword with blue shading and a golden hilt are crossed. The wall tells that Ludza has been a strong fortress. The key characterizes Ludza as a border town. The sword reminds of the ancient battles.

The coat of arms of Ludza town was approved on 31 October 1925.

Flag of Ludza municipality

The sketch of the flag of Ludza municipality was approved at the council meeting on 27 December 2012. The sketch of the flag was worked out by the artists Natalija Losane and Ilze Kukule. The flag is double-sided: on the white and dark blue horizontally-divided background, the coat of arms of Ludza municipality is depicted.

On 16 June 2013, the new flag of Ludza municipality was sanctified during the service in Ludza Roman Catholic Church. During the solemn service, the Chairwoman of the Council of Ludza municipality Alina Gendele in her address to the people emphasized that the flag is a confirmation of identity, which should create a feeling of community among inhabitants and help identify Ludza municipality among others. The new flag has become an integral element of the image of Ludza municipality.

The Sanctified flag of Ludza municipality is constantly placed in the office of the Chairwoman of the council. The flag also waves next to the flags of Latvia and European Union at municipal buildings and educational institutions.

Sign of the Citizen of Honour of Ludza municipality

The title of the Citizen of Honour of Ludza municipality is the highest award of Ludza Municipality, which is attributed for special merit for the sake of the municipality. The award is assigned annually to one person. The Citizen of Honour of Ludza municipality is awarded with a chest badge, appreciation certificate and money reward. In the image of the chest badge, a motive of the coat of arms of Ludza municipality is used. The sketch of the award design was worked out by Ilze Libiete and Juris Ivanovs.

Candidates for allocation of the award “The Citizen of Honour of Ludza municipality” can be nominated by the members of the council, legal entities, state and municipality institutions or inhabitants. This award can be allocated not only to the inhabitants of Ludza municipality but also to persons of Latvia and foreign countries.

PROVISIONS FOR ALLOCATION OF THE AWARD “CITIZEN OF HONOUR OF LUDZA MUNICIPALITY”