The distinctive Baltic is, of course, Europe, but it has retained its own charm and charm. Among other sisters-neighbors on the map, she stands out especially - here they mark their own days, which are not in the calendar of other Baltic countries. The list of traditional Riga holidays includes New Year, Christmas and Easter, but tourists especially love to come to the capital of Latvia when its streets turn into real theaters.
Let's take a look at the calendar
All year round, guests of Riga have something to do besides banal sightseeing and tasting the national cuisine:
- The mysterious sounding Methenis is nothing more than an ordinary Shrovetide. However, in Riga, the festival of farewell to winter is more like a folklore festival - in addition to ruddy pancakes, guests are offered performances at the site of the ethnographic museum on Brivibas street.
- On Easter, it is customary to swing on a swing, and the higher they fly, the richer the coming harvest will be. On this day, an organ music concert takes place in the Dome Cathedral, and a fair with quizzes and prizes is held on the Bastion Hill.
- Mikel's Day on September 29th is Riga's harvest festival. The program includes agricultural exhibitions and farmers' markets, where you can stock up on honey, smoked meats, homemade jams and knitted outfits.
- Riga celebrates its Independence Day on November 18, the apotheosis of which is a grandiose light show and fireworks on the Daugava embankment.
Let's take a walk on Baker Street
In the first days of this year, Riga pays tribute to the beloved hero of the books of Arthur Conan Doyle. On January 4, residents of Riga celebrate Holmes's birthday. The local Sherlock parade kicks off at one o'clock in the afternoon, and all its participants walk from the Town Hall Square to the house that served as the famous headquarters of the great detective "221B on Baker Street" in an old Soviet film. A detailed plan of events on the website www.hilmes.lv.
Let's celebrate your birthday
The tradition of celebrating the birthdays of cities has not bypassed the Latvian capital either. Annually, on the third Friday of August, the city's birthday starts here, the main events of which are held on the 11 November Embankment and in Verman Park.
Riga celebrates three days and treats its guests to the best dishes of the national cuisine and theatrical performances. Folklore groups perform at all venues in the city, sports competitions, races and marathons are held.
The northern temperament does not interfere with the open salsa festival and costume balls.
Find a fern
June 23rd and 24th are special holidays in Riga. Bright and colorful Ligo is replaced by Janov day, and the tradition of celebrating the summer solstice goes back to ancient times in the local culture.
Both young and old are going to spend the shortest night of the year in the capital. It is on the eve of Janov's Day that a fern blooms in gardens and parks, and you need to look for its flower in order to become happy, successful and prosperous.
Bonfires in the center of Riga are no longer lit, but ethnic performances, fairs and artisan festivals are held here everywhere.
