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.
OverviewLatvia 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.
| Date | Holiday Name | Latvian Name | Celebrations |
| January 1 | New Year's Day | Jauna gada diena | Latvians typically enjoy a festive dinner with family and friends on New Year's Eve and watch fireworks at midnight. |
| July 10 | Līgo | Līgo | Latvians typically sing and dance around bonfires during Līgo, and enjoy traditional foods such as grilled meat, cheese, and beer. People also exchange flower wreaths and herbs, which are said to have protective powers. |
| August 15 | Assumption of Mary | Marijas debesīs uzņemšana | Assumption of Mary is a Catholic holiday celebrating the assumption of the Virgin Mary into heaven. Latvian Catholics typically attend church services on this day. |
| November 1 | All Saints' Day | Visu svēto diena | All Saints' Day is a Christian holiday honoring all saints. Latvians typically visit cemeteries on this day to pay their respects to deceased loved ones and light candles. |
| November 2 | All Souls' Day | Visu mirušo diena | All Souls' Day is a day to remember deceased loved ones. Latvians typically visit cemeteries on this day to pay their respects to deceased loved ones and light candles. |
| November 18 | Family Day | Ģimenes diena | Family Day is a Latvian holiday established in 2017 to celebrate the importance of family. Latvians typically spend time with family on Family Day and participate in various family activities such as cooking together, playing games, or watching movies. |
| December 24 | Christmas Eve | Ziemassvētku vakars | Christmas Eve is a Christian holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. Latvians typically enjoy a festive Christmas dinner with family on Christmas Eve and exchange gifts. |
| December 25 | Christmas Day | Ziemassvētki | Christmas Day is a Christian holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. Latvians typically enjoy a festive Christmas dinner with family on Christmas Day and exchange gifts. |
Holidays in the freight industry
Here are some websites of shipping companies, airlines, freight forwarders, railways, couriers, and logistics companies in Latvia where you can check their holiday hours:
Shipping Companies:
Latvian Shipping Company:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Latvian_Shipping_Company
Transeast: https://transeast.lv/
Scanship: https://www.scan-shipping.com/
Airlines:
airBaltic: https://www.airbaltc.com/
Riga Airport: https://www.riga-airport.com/en
Latvian Civil Aviation Agency: https://www.caa.gov.lv/en
Freight Forwarders:
Kuehne + Nagel: https://home.kuehne-nagel.com/
DHL: https://www.dhl.com/
FedEx: https://local.fedex.com/en-us
Railways:
Latvian Railways: https://www.pv.lv/
Rail Baltica: https://info.railbaltica.org/en/interactive-map
Ministry of Transport: https://www.sam.gov.lv/en/departments
Couriers and Logistics Companies:
Omniva: https://www.omniva.ee/private/parcel/international_parcel
DPD Latvia: https://www.dpd.com/lv/en/
Kurjeris: https://company.lursoft.lv/en/kurjers/44103074131
Please note that due to the different circumstances of each company, it is recommended that you contact the relevant company directly to inquire.