Latvian holiday traditions blend ancient pagan roots with Christian influences, creating celebrations that are unlike anywhere else in Europe. Whether it's jumping over bonfires during Jāņi or rolling cheese down hills at Easter, these customs come with their own rich vocabulary. Here's how to talk about them properly.
Winter celebrations: from saulgrieži to Ziemassvētki
Saulgrieži
/ˈsaʊlɡriɛʒi/“Solstice”
Literally 'sun-turning', referring to both winter and summer solstices. The winter version (ziemas saulgrieži) marks the shortest day of the year with traditions like dragging logs around homes to banish evil spirits.
Ziemassvētki
/ˈziɛmasvɛːtki/“Christmas”
The Latvian Christmas celebration, originally a pagan winter festival before Christian influence. Traditions include burning Yule logs, mumming (ķekatās), and eating grey peas with bacon.
- Blēņas - Traditional Christmas masks worn by mummers
- Kalēju vakars - 'Blacksmiths' evening' on December 24 when metal objects were traditionally hidden to prevent theft by spirits
- Pūķis - A dragon-like creature from Latvian mythology that steals wealth unless appeased during winter festivals
Spring and summer festivals
Lieldienas
/ˈliɛldiɛnas/“Easter”
Latvian Easter traditions include swinging (šūpošanās) for health, egg-knocking competitions, and the bizarre but beloved cheese-rolling in eastern Latvia.
Jāņi
/ˈjaːɲi/“Midsummer”
The most important Latvian holiday, celebrating the summer solstice on June 23-24. Features all-night bonfires, oak leaf wreaths, beer drinking, and searching for the mythical fern flower.
Key Jāņi vocabulary:
| Latvian | Pronunciation | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Jāņu siers | /ˈjaːɲu siɛrs/ | Special caraway cheese eaten at midsummer |
| Zāļu vainags | /ˈzaːʎu ˈvainaks/ | Flower wreath worn on the head |
| Līgo | /ˈliːɡo/ | The eve of Jāņi (June 23) and its traditional songs |
Unique Latvian celebrations
Vārda dienas
/ˈvaːrda ˈdiɛnas/“Name days”
More important than birthdays in Latvia. Each day of the year corresponds to specific names from the Latvian calendar. People receive small gifts and flowers on their name day.
Meteņi
/ˈmɛtɛɲi/“Shrovetide”
Pre-Lenten festival involving sledding, mumming, and eating until the fast begins. The word comes from 'met' (to throw) referring to throwing away winter.
Pro tip: When greeting someone on their name day, say 'Daudz laimes vārda dienā!' (Much happiness on your name day!). It's more common than saying 'Happy birthday' in Latvia.
Modern holidays with Latvian twists
Even imported holidays get local flavour:
- Mārtiņdiena (November 10) - St. Martin's Day marked by eating roast goose and the first taste of new beer
- Mīlestības diena - Valentine's Day (February 14) but with more emphasis on handwritten letters than commercial gifts
- Jaunais Gads - New Year's Eve celebrated with fireworks and the tradition of 'grauzdīšu laime' (fortune telling with gingerbread cookies)
For more seasonal vocabulary, see our guide to Latvian phrases for outdoor activities which covers nature terms relevant to many holidays.
Essential holiday phrases
| Phrase | Pronunciation | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| Priecīgus Ziemassvētkus! | /ˈpriɛtsiːɡus ˈziɛmasvɛːtkus/ | Merry Christmas! |
| Laimīgu Jauno gadu! | /ˈlaimiːɡu ˈjauno ˈɡadu/ | Happy New Year! |
| Līgo! (reply: Jāņi!) | /ˈliːɡo/ /ˈjaːɲi/ | Traditional Jāņi greeting and response |
| Visi svētki sākas ar maizi | /ˈvisi ˈsvɛːtki ˈsaːkas ar ˈmaizi/ | All holidays begin with bread (traditional saying) |
Remember that many Latvian holidays involve specific foods - from pīrāgi (bacon buns) at Christmas to skābputra (fermented barley porridge) at Jāņi. Asking 'Ko šodien ēdīsiet svētkos?' (What will you eat for the holiday today?) makes great small talk.
