Laima Clock, Riga

Laima Clock or Laimas Pulkstenis is a public clock situated in the very heart of Old Riga, near the famous Independence monument and the Riga Canal. The clock was installed in 1924, courtesy of the local Social Democratic Party, who thus wanted to help the citizens keep track of their time and prevent them from being late for work. In the 1930s, the word “Riegert” appeared on the clock stand for the first time, as an endorsement of one of the local businesses. It also happened to be the first occasion on which a clock would be used for advertising. In 1936, a new name “Laima” showed up on the clock, being the name of Riga's chocolate factory whose products are still widely known across the nation.

After World War II the clock was used mostly as a board for political messages. In December 2017, the Laima factory renovated the clock again in honor of the 100th anniversary of Latvia. Today, Laimas Pulkstenis lives up to its name - the word “laimas” translates from Latvian as happiness - and is one of the most favoured meeting spots in Riga, much loved by dating couples as well as businessmen. Public gatherings also take place here quite often.