Latvia

SHORT INFORMATION

Geography of Latvia

Latvia, Republic of, a country in eastern Europe that was once a part of the Soviet Union. Latvia is bounded by Estonia. Russia, Belarus, Lithuania, the Baltic Sea, and the Gulf of Riga.

HOLIDAYS AND TRADITIONS

National Holidays

Festivities to celebrate the New Year begin in the evening of December 31 In recent years, both the President and Prime Minister address the people on national TV. While champagne toasts are common, many Latvian families partake in a variety of traditional rituals to ensure good luck and prosperity in the New Year.

HOLIDAYS AND TRADITIONS

Easter in Latvia

Easter is the peak of the Christian church year; the rest of the year is a prelude to the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus, Advent time of expectant waiting for the celebration of the Nativity of Jesus, Christmas and Fasting.