Traditions and everyday life in LatviaFestivals, family customs, favourite places and everyday traditions, written by members of Global Penfriends who live in Latvia. Each cultural keepsake is a short note about life where they are.
17 keepsakes from Latvia
Veļu Laiks is one of Latvia’s most mysterious and enchanting traditions. Often called the “Time of the Souls,” it takes place in autumn, when people believe the spirits of their ancestors return to visit the world of the living…
Shared by midnightmagician
Central Riga, the downtown area, is included on the UNESCO World Heritage List thanks to its Medieval dwellings, quaint 19th century wooden structures and its prime examples of Art Nouveau architecture that, actually, are like no…
Shared by MercurialGoblin
We have really long coastline of Baltic Sea. It is beautiful. Until Soviet Union broke up, Jurmala beach was Super crowded, because there where many tourists from Soviet Union other countries. Since i have traveled to other…
Shared by Spring55
Līgo, also known as Jāņi or Midsummer, is a significant cultural and pagan holiday celebrated in Latvia on June 23rd. It marks the summer solstice and the longest day of the year. The festival is closely associated with the…
Shared by LoLa2005
It's a big part of our national identity - the nation that sings! The event takes place since year 1873. and has happened 27 times until now. It happens every 5 years. The event lasts for a week, with a parade and concerts, and a…
Shared by SabyDew
Some may call it also Midsummer celebration, but Latvians call it “Jâòi”, usually celebrated from 23rd to 24th of June. Some Latvians celebrate it on an actual summer solstice. Celebration consists of different traditions from…
Shared by EviEli
Jāņi is a celebration that takes place in 24th of June. People in my country stay up all night to welcome longest day. We enjoy special cheese woth caraways in it or as we like to call cummins. Older people enjoy beer. At this…
Shared by minty.bear
Every year on November the 11th, everyone gathers round to celebrate the victory over the forces of Bermont-Avalov, which marked the conclusion of the Latvian War of Liberation. This includes lighting a candle for every dead soul…
Shared by kimeto
it’s a thing that happens every year in our school that im looking forwards to every time. 5/6 countryside schools gather around . at first we have to show our performance and then we can party all night . also theres special…
Shared by enija
The Baltic Way happened on 23 August 1989 when a lot of people from all three Baltic states – Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia – came together in a peaceful demonstration and made a human chain across all three countries.
Shared by EviEli
My mom and I go on a 2 h walk in the forest every Thursday morning since my classes start those days at 11.30. We talk about life, drink coffee, take beautiful pictures and mostly have fun.
Shared by Lucy Valic
The pictures show the sunset observed in Ikšķile. We watched the sunset by the river Daugava. Before that, the day before, we had gone to St. Meinarda Island, Ikšķile medieval castle.
Shared by Lācītis
Jāņi or "Līgo!" happen the night from June 23 to June 24 (in harmony with the summer solstice), when people participate in joyful festivities just as their ancestors did centuries ago.
Shared by Lillianaa
It is an annual celebration (summer solstice 24th of June). It is a day that celebrates renewal, fertility, and hope of good luck, based on ancient folk traditions
Shared by Eiwa
The Venta waterfall or rapid is the widest waterfall in Europe, and is located in Kuldîga, Latvia.
Shared by EviEli
Its a beach in Jurmala where me and my mom used to go catch the aurora and sunsets.
Shared by Patrishka
Rundāle Palace is a major baroque palace in Latvia, we often go there
Shared by lemonWant to hear about life in Latvia first-hand? Write to a penpal who lives there.
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