Public Holidays in Latvia

Summary:

This article outlines Latvia's public holiday system, which reflects the country's rich culture and history, offering opportunities for celebration and relaxation for the Latvian people.

Overview

Latvia is a country located in Eastern Europe with a rich culture and history. Latvian public holidays reflect the country's culture and history and provide an opportunity for the Latvian people to celebrate and relax.

The most important public holidays in Latvia

New Year's Day (January 1): New Year's Day is the celebration of the new year, observed in Latvia and many other countries around the world. Latvians typically enjoy a festive dinner with family and friends on New Year's Eve and watch fireworks at midnight.
Easter: Easter is one of the most important Christian holidays, celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Easter in Latvia is usually observed in March or April. Latvians traditionally eat colored eggs and hot cross buns during Easter.
Labor Day (May 1): Labor Day is the international celebration of workers. Latvians typically participate in parades and concerts on Labor Day.
Declaration of Independence Day (May 4): Declaration of Independence Day is a Latvian holiday commemorating the country's independence from the Soviet Union in 1918. Latvians typically participate in flag-raising ceremonies and concerts on Declaration of Independence Day.
Midsummer (June 23-24): Midsummer is one of the oldest Latvian holidays, celebrating the summer solstice. Latvians traditionally sing and dance around bonfires during Midsummer.

Christmas (December 24-25): Christmas is a Christian holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. Latvians typically enjoy a festive dinner with family and friends, exchange gifts, and decorate Christmas trees.
In addition to these major public holidays, Latvia also observes a number of other religious and cultural holidays, such as:
St. John's Day (June 24): St. John's Day is a religious holiday celebrating the birth of John the Baptist.
Assumption of Mary (August 15): Assumption of Mary is a Catholic holiday celebrating the assumption of the Virgin Mary into heaven.
All Saints' Day (November 1): All Saints' Day is a Christian holiday honoring all saints.
All Souls' Day (November 2): All Souls' Day is a day to remember deceased loved ones.

Special Public Holidays in Latvia

Restoration Day of the Republic of Latvia: Celebrated on August 11th, this day marks the restoration of Latvia's independence in 1991. It is a national holiday commemorating the country's freedom from Soviet occupation.

Ligo Day: Celebrated on June 23rd, the day before Midsummer, Ligo is a traditional Latvian holiday. People bake Ligo bread, a traditional round bread symbolizing the sun, and participate in various outdoor activities to celebrate the longest day of the year.