Public Holidays in Latvia

Latvia is a country with a complex history, rich cultural traditions, and a rapidly evolving society. It continues to strengthen its position within the European community, balancing its cultural heritage with modern development.

List of Public Holidays and National Holidays in Latvia 2025

• New Year’s Day is on Wednesday, January 1st.
• Good Friday is on Friday, April 18th.
• Easter Monday is on Monday, April 21st.
• Labour Day is on Thursday, May 1st.
• Independence Restoration Day is on Sunday, May 4th.
• Midsummer’s Eve is on Monday, June 23rd.
• St. John’s Day is on Tuesday, June 24th.
• Independence Day is on Tuesday, November 18th.
• Christmas Eve is on Wednesday, December 24th.
• Christmas Day is on Thursday, December 25th.
• 2nd Day of Christmas is on Friday, December 26th.
• New Year’s Eve is on Wednesday, December 31st.

This list reflects the major public holidays observed in Latvia.

• Independence Restoration Day: Celebrates the restoration of Latvian independence in 1990.
• Midsummer’s Eve and St. John’s Day: A major celebration in Latvia, with traditions like bonfires and folk music.
• Independence Day: Celebrates the declaration of independence from Soviet Russia in 1918.

List of Public Holidays and National Holidays in Latvia 2024

• New Year’s Day – Monday, 1 January 2024
• Good Friday – Friday, 29 March 2024
• Easter Monday – Monday, 1 April 2024
• Labour Day – Wednesday, 1 May 2024
• Independence Restoration Day – Saturday, 4 May 2024
• Midsummer’s Eve – Sunday, 23 June 2024

• St. John’s Day – Monday, 24 June 2024
• Independence Day – Monday, 18 November 2024
• Christmas Eve – Tuesday, 24 December 2024
• Christmas Day – Wednesday, 25 December 2024
• 2nd Day of Christmas – Thursday, 26 December 2024
• New Year’s Eve – Tuesday, 31 December 2024

History

• Early History: Inhabited since ancient times by the Baltic tribes, Latvia’s history is marked by periods of foreign dominance, including by the German Teutonic Order, Poland, and Sweden.
• Russian Empire: Became part of the Russian Empire in the 18th century.
• Independence and World Wars: First declared independence in 1918 following World War I. Occupied by Soviet Union and Nazi Germany during World War II.
• Soviet Era: Reincorporated into the Soviet Union after World War II.
• Restoration of Independence: Regained independence in 1991 with the dissolution of the Soviet Union.

Geography

• Location: Located in Northern Europe on the Baltic Sea, bordered by Estonia, Russia, Belarus, and Lithuania.
• Terrain: Mostly flat or gently rolling plains, with a coastline marked by numerous bays, dunes, and beaches.
• Climate: Temperate maritime climate, with mild summers and cold, snowy winters.

Culture

• Rich Heritage: A blend of indigenous Baltic and Germanic influences, also shaped by Russian and Swedish rule.
• Language: Latvian is the official language, one of only two existing Baltic languages.
• Traditions and Festivals: Known for its folk traditions, particularly the Song and Dance Festival, a UNESCO intangible cultural heritage.

Economy

• Transition to Market Economy: Post-independence, transitioned from a planned economy to a market economy.
• Key Sectors: Major industries include food processing, woodworking, textiles, and information technology.
• EU and Eurozone Membership: Joined the European Union and NATO in 2004 and adopted the euro in 2014.

Society

• Demographics: Ethnic Latvians make up the majority of the population, with a significant Russian-speaking minority.
• Education and Healthcare: Offers a well-developed education system and universal healthcare, though facing challenges like aging population and migration.
• Urbanization: Major urban centers include the capital city, Riga, which is a significant cultural and economic hub.

Environmental Focus

• Natural Resources: Rich in resources like timber, peat, and amber. Over 40% of the territory is covered by forests.
• Conservation Efforts: Committed to environmental conservation, with several national parks and protected areas.

Government and Politics

• Political Structure: A parliamentary republic with a president as the head of state and a prime minister as the head of government.
• International Relations: Active in international diplomacy, particularly within the European Union and NATO.

Tourism

• Cultural and Natural Attractions: Attractions include the historic center of Riga, the seaside resort of Jūrmala, Gauja National Park, and the Rundāle Palace.
• Heritage Tourism: Rich in historical and architectural heritage, with a blend of Art Nouveau, wooden architecture, and medieval castles.