Holidays in Latvia

In Latvia , as in any other country, there are many national, national and state holidays, to become participants of which is allowed to tourists. This will be a great success, as the celebrations are held according to all the rules of Latvia's interesting and indescribable culture. Parades and events are worth a visit to everyone who is interested in the culture and traditions of other countries.

Public holidays in Latvia

Tourists who want to see how Latvian public holidays are taking place should take into account that they are fixed for certain days of the calendar. In total, there are 15 of them, 2 of them are international, which are celebrated in December-January. These are the two main holidays, dearly beloved all over the world - New Year and Christmas , which follow one after another. On the onset of your favorite date symbolizes the appearance of jewelry on the houses and streets.

The main mass festivities take place from December 25 until the end of the holy days. During this period the fairs are working, the bells of church bells are heard. For tourists who come to Latvia, for Christmas and New Year, it is recommended to visit the following places:

A relatively young, but very interesting holiday is celebrated in early January - the birthday of Sherlock Holmes . Fans of the famous detective are given a unique opportunity to take part in competitions, see the parade of all Sherlock Holmes in Riga. They will pass from the Town Hall Square to the house, which served as a refuge for the detective.

On the same day, the owners proudly demonstrate their pets - dogs of English breeds. A special website has been developed on which a full list of activities is published.

National holidays of Latvia

There are no less diverse folk festivals of Latvia according to tradition, the main ones are:

  1. At the end of winter , the last important holiday of this period is celebrated - Maslenitsa . Traditionally, it falls at the end of February - early March. Tourists expect performances with the participation of street artists and musicians in all parks. But it is especially important to get into an ethnographic museum in the open air, the benefit that public transport go to it regularly.
  2. With the advent of spring, the number of people's festivities does not decrease, they just become more family. For example, Easter is celebrated in April-May , when Latvians paint eggs, give presents. And still here it is customary to ride this day on a swing. The higher they take off, the higher the sun rises and the harvest becomes richer. Easter is not fixed for a certain day, therefore every year the date is calculated according to the Lutheran calendar. Tourists will help to visit special services, which are held already since Good Friday. In the parks you can go for a lot and roll children on a swing, participate in contests and quizzes.
  3. Results of spring events are summed up with an unofficial parade of veterans on May 8 and 9 , which takes place in Daugavpils, a concert is held on this day. To get an unforgettable experience, you should go to the Embankment on November 11 , to Victory Park in Riga and visit the Independence Monument .
  4. With the arrival of heat and summer, holidays are accompanied by long walks until the morning and picnics in the parks. On June 23-24, a holiday of Ligo or Yanov is appointed, the day of which lies in paganism. Latvians leave the city during this period, which is recommended for tourists to fully experience the festive events.
  5. They are as follows:

August 5 is the day of Mary's ascension to heaven , which Latvians celebrate in the famous basilica near the city of Daugavpils. Here come not only pilgrims and representatives of all religions, but also tourists.

Next to the basilica of Mary in Aglona there is a magical source. Arriving in the village, it is important not to forget to visit the museum of bread to purchase the most delicate bakery products.

National holidays of Latvia

Great importance is given to the national holidays of Latvia. Among the main of them you can list the following:

  1. The third weekend of August takes place on the Day of Riga . Traditionally, they start to celebrate on the third Friday of the month, but continue all Saturday and Sunday. At this time, the mandatory places to visit are Vermansky Park and Embankment on November 11 . Those who wish can participate in the race "Night race OKarte" , which, as the name suggests, is held after sunset. On Saturday, residents of Riga and guests will enjoy salsa and tables with refreshments.
  2. Autumn is the time of harvesting, lush weddings and rest after heavy summer labor. September 29 marks the Day of Mikel , which symbolizes the end of field work. On farm markets, which open everywhere, you can stock up on home-made products, sweets, handmade products.
  3. Since November 11, Latvians are beginning to celebrate the independence of the country. All events start a week before the date, the day Lachplesia, who was an epic hero. During this period, on all the streets of each city and village you can see an abundance of flags, as well as a military parade in the main square and an evening fireworks. Tourists should definitely visit the show of border dogs in Daugavpils on 11 November.

In addition to the generally accepted holidays, a huge number of festivals and contests are held in Latvia , which are held constantly, so every tourist has a chance to get there.