The year 2014, when Riga celebrated as a European Capital of Culture, also marked a century since the beginning of the First World War, a conflict that represented a turning point for many countries.

Hence, part of the Riga 2014 cultural programm dedicated to Brivibas iela (meaning "Freedom Street" in Latvian), one of Riga's main arteries.

The name of this street has changed many times, along with the change of regimes that have ruled over the Latvian capital.

For example, during Russian imperial rule the avenue changed name to Alexander Street (after Tsar Alexander II). Then it was Revolution Street for a few months under the Bolsheviks after the end of the First World War.

The street gained its current name Brivibas iela during Latvia's first period of independence. Its name changed to Adolf Hitler Strasse during the Nazi German occupation and then Lenin Street under Soviet rule. The street regained the name Brivibas iela after Latvia won back its statehood.