In December, the Christians of Latvia celebrate Christmas, and those who secretly profess paganism celebrate the days of the winter solstice. And while some decorate the Christmas tree and lead round dances around it, others drag the log and burn it in the December night, believing that all the troubles of the outgoing year will burn with it in the fire. In fact, the inhabitants of Latvia joyfully celebrate all the holidays: pagan, Lutheran, Orthodox and Jewish. But still, Christmas itself is a family holiday. And if you want to spend these days in silence, with your family, with your loved one, or alone, then Christmas is waiting for you in Jurmala. This is just the place where you can get away from everyday problems and, without fuss and haste, give your loved ones the care and warmth of your love. And even if you are spending the evening alone, the hot fire of the fireplace, the smell of pine needles, the flickering lights in the window, the spicy aroma of hot mulled wine and freshly baked peppercorns "piparkukas" will warm your heart and give you peace of mind.
Jurmala, which means "seaside" in Russian, stretches for 32 km along the Gulf of Riga. Luxurious villas are lined along the entire coast, and neat houses are hidden in the dunes among the pine trees. The sea here does not freeze in winter, and during the surf it retreats almost to the very horizon, exposing the sandy bottom, and then again runs ashore, crumbling and breaking the thin ice cover that did not have time to get stronger. As the sea recedes, pieces of amber can be found on the bare bottom. But everything here seems to be showered with amber, and the sky, and beaches, and pines, and squirrels rustling in their crowns. And even the sun, before sinking into the sea, basks for a long time in the amber sunset.
You can walk along the main pedestrian street of the city, Jomas, which is lively and especially brightly colored these days. Many cafes and restaurants will hospitably open their doors to you.
What to see
In Priedaine, the White Dune is located perpendicular to the sea coast, formed over the past 200 years. From its height, a wonderful view of the surroundings opens.
Nearby there is also an interesting Jurmala open-air museum with buildings of fishing farms of the 19th century, and the Ragakapa Nature Park with 300-year-old pines stretches right there.
There is an arboretum in Bulduri.
In Dzintari - a concert hall, Jurmala globe, forest park "Dzintari"
In Majori, you can see the sculpture of Lacplesis - the legendary hero of the Latvian people, half-man, half-bear, a monument to Rainis, and upon reaching the beach - a very beautiful sculpture of a turtle.
Dubulti - Lutheran and Orthodox churches, old buildings.
In Jaundubulti and Pumpuri there are the famous Rainis pines.
Still need to visit
- Melugi and Asari
- Slocu
- Kemeri
Jurmala leaves no one indifferent at any time of the year. I want to come back here. And Christmas in Jurmala will be remembered for pine trees, dunes, clean air and never sleeping amber Baltic Sea.
