Latvia
Currency & money in Latvia
he official currency of the Latvian Government is the Latvian LAT. There are three abbreviations that are commonly used. They are (LS), (LVL) and sometime (LAT or LATS).
The Euro is used for hotel, apartment and real estate pricing and for most apartment rental transactions. The US Dollar is being used less and less.
Latvia Christmas Traditions
Though Latvia celebrates Christmas on December 25, this holiday is closely linked with pagan winter solstice celebrations. Latvians mark the 12 days up until Christmas with gifts. If you're in Riga during the month of December, you can purchase traditional decorations and sample Latvian Christmastime foods at the Riga Christmas Market.
Latvian Culture
The culture of Latvia is as colorful as its' past, having been influenced by various civilizations since ancient times. Local Latvian Pagan heritage has survived over millennia, with German missionary knights introduced Christianity to the territory of Latvia in the 13th century. These enduring Pagan customs combined with common Christian traditions and rituals are two distinct characteristics of Latvian culture today.