Public Holidays • Commemorative Days • Flag Days 2026

Thursday, January 1

The first day of the new year — one of Latvia's most beloved celebrations. Fireworks light up the sky over the Daugava river at midnight, and thousands gather at Freedom Monument and the 11 November Embankment in Rīga to watch the largest display in the country. Families share a festive table with sparkling wine, deviled eggs, and traditional foods — a pig's head on the table is considered a symbol of prosperity. The President of Latvia delivers the traditional New Year address, and many Latvians take part in the ritual of setting New Year's resolutions and exchanging good wishes.

Friday, April 3

Good Friday is a Christian observance commemorating the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ on Calvary. It is the quietest and most reflective day in the church calendar. Good Friday is a movable feast — it always falls on the Friday before Easter Sunday. In Latvia, Lutheran, Catholic and Orthodox congregations hold services, and traditionally this marks the end of Lent. Many families observe the day in quiet contemplation and abstain from meat.

Sunday, April 5

Easter Sunday is the greatest feast of Christianity — the day of Christ's resurrection. In Latvia, Easter blends Christian tradition with ancient folk customs celebrating the arrival of spring. Characteristic traditions include dyeing eggs with onion skins (for red) or birch leaves (for green), rolling eggs down hills, egg-tapping competitions (the last unbroken egg wins), and swinging on Easter swings — folklore holds that the higher you swing, the taller your flax will grow. Easter breakfast traditionally features coloured eggs, lamb and pīrāgi (savoury bacon rolls).

Monday, April 6

Easter Monday is the closing day of the Easter celebration. It is a calm family day — many people visit relatives and friends, continue egg-tapping, and watch for the first signs of spring in nature. In rural Latvia, the tradition of 'Lieldienu gājiens' — visiting neighbours with coloured eggs and treats — is still observed. In 2026, Easter Monday falls on a Monday, giving Latvia a continuous four-day Easter break from Good Friday through Easter Monday.

Friday, May 1

The 1st of May holds a double significance in Latvia — it is both Labour Day (International Workers' Day) and the anniversary of the 1920 Constitutional Assembly. On 1 May 1920, Latvia's first democratically elected Constitutional Assembly convened for the first time — a foundational act in the creation of the Republic. For this reason, 1 May is also a mandatory flag-raising day under Article 7(1) of the State Flag Law. For many Latvians, it is the unofficial start of spring — the first picnic of the year, the first day of garden work, the first real promise of warmer weather.

Monday, May 4

On 4 May 1990, the Supreme Council of the Latvian SSR passed the Declaration 'On the Restoration of Independence of the Republic of Latvia.' The vote — 138 in favour, 0 against (with 58 deputies not appearing) — marked Latvia's return to the community of sovereign states after 50 years of occupation. This is Latvia's second most important statehood day after 18 November. It is a mandatory flag-raising day. Under Article 1.1 of the Holidays Law, if 4 May falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the following Monday becomes a public holiday — in 2026 it falls on Monday, so no substitution applies.

Sunday, May 24

Pentecost (Vasarsvētki — literally 'summer holidays') is a Christian feast commemorating the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles 50 days after Easter. It is considered the birthday of the Christian Church. In Latvia, Pentecost is a relatively quiet holiday — a day for church services and enjoying the full arrival of spring. Many families use the day for walks in nature, gardening, or the first trip to the seaside or countryside. In 2026, Pentecost falls on a Sunday, so no additional day off results.

Tuesday, June 23

Līgo Day is the eve of Jāņi (Midsummer), the single most important festival in the Latvian folk calendar. The name 'Līgo' comes from the refrain of traditional Līgo songs sung when walking through pastures and visiting the homes of people named Jānis. Latvians weave wreaths of oak leaves for men and of meadow flowers for women, cook Jāņu siera (caraway cheese), brew Jāņu alus (beer), and leave the cities in a mass exodus to the countryside. Branches of rowan and oak are placed around the farmstead to ward off evil spirits. On this night, the mystical power of the summer solstice is said to be at its peak.

Wednesday, June 24

Jāņi is the most cherished folk festival in Latvia, rooted in pre-Christian summer solstice traditions. The shortest night of the year (Līgo Night) is believed to have magical powers — herbs, flowers and morning dew gain healing properties. Bonfires are lit across the country; tradition holds that the fire must burn so high it can be seen from the next Jāņi home. People leap over the flames for luck and health, search for the fern flower (a mythical bloom that is said never to truly appear), sing Jāņi songs until dawn, and wash their faces in morning dew said to preserve youth. Everyone named Jānis is honoured with a fresh oak-leaf wreath.

Wednesday, November 18

On 18 November 1918, the People's Council of Latvia proclaimed the Republic of Latvia at the Second City Theatre (today's Latvian National Theatre) in Rīga. Jānis Čakste read the Declaration of Independence and Kārlis Ulmanis became the head of the provisional government. This is Latvia's founding day and the most important statehood celebration. On 18 November every year, the country fills with red-white-red flags, the President addresses the nation, a military parade is held on the 11 November Embankment, and fireworks fill the sky over the Daugava. A torchlit procession carries light from the Freedom Monument to the Brothers' Cemetery.

Thursday, December 24

Christmas Eve is the heart of the Latvian Christmas celebration — unlike in English-speaking countries, the main family feast takes place on the evening of 24 December rather than on Christmas Day. Families gather around the Christmas tree, decorated with ornaments, candles and a star on top. The traditional table includes grey peas with bacon, smoked fish, pīrāgi, roast pork, and gingerbread. Before opening gifts, each family member must recite a short poem or sing a song — a uniquely Latvian custom. Many attend the midnight church service, and candles glow in windows across the country.

Friday, December 25

Christmas Day — 'Pirmie Ziemassvētki' or 'First Christmas' — is the first full day of the Christmas holidays after the family gathering on Christmas Eve. In the Christian tradition it marks the birth of Jesus Christ. In Latvia this is a peaceful family day — time spent together, enjoying leftovers from the previous evening, playing with new gifts, and visiting relatives. If snow has fallen, many head out for a winter walk, cross-country skiing or sledging. Lutheran and Catholic churches hold festive services.

Saturday, December 26

The 'Second Day of Christmas' (Otrie Ziemassvētki) is the last official day of the Christmas holidays. In 2026 it falls on a Saturday. Many families use the day to visit relatives and friends who could not be reached on Christmas Eve itself. Some begin taking down decorations, though tradition holds that the tree stays up until the Day of the Three Kings (6 January). In winter weather, outdoor activities are popular — ice skating at Uzvaras Park rink in Rīga, cross-country skiing in Mežaparks or Sigulda, and sledging with children.

Thursday, December 31

New Year's Eve (31 December) is the last day of the calendar year and the prelude to the New Year. By Latvian law it is a public holiday — most institutions are closed or work shorter hours. Traditional activities include molybdomancy (lead- or tin-pouring to predict the coming year), preparing the festive table, visiting friends, and exchanging gifts. At midnight, thousands gather on the 11 November Embankment in Rīga for the city's New Year celebration, with fireworks over the Daugava and a mass singing of the Latvian national anthem.

Tuesday, January 20

In January 1991, the people of Latvia spontaneously built barricades around the country's most important state institutions in Rīga — the Council of Ministers, the television and radio centre, and the Parliament — to protect the newly restored independence from threats by Soviet OMON and military special forces. From 13 to 27 January, thousands of people from every corner of Latvia guarded these buildings in the cold. On 20 January, five people were killed in a Soviet OMON attack in the Old Town. The Barricades became one of the central symbols of Latvia's struggle for freedom.

Monday, January 26

On 26 January 1921, the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Japan and Belgium officially granted Latvia de iure recognition as an independent state. This was a crucial step after the de facto recognition that followed the Latvian–Soviet Russian Peace Treaty of 11 August 1920. International recognition secured Latvia a full seat in the League of Nations and among the sovereign states of the world.

Monday, March 2

The armed resistance of Latvia's national partisans — known as the 'Forest Brothers' (meža brāļi) — against Soviet occupation continued from 1944 until the early 1950s. The last partisan, Jānis Pīnups, remained hiding in the forest until 1995. The Forest Brothers fought the Soviet-imposed regime, protecting Latvian farmers from deportation and collectivisation. The symbolic date of 2 March marks the end of the active phase of this fight in 1950. On this day, memorial ceremonies and flower-laying take place at monuments to the national partisans.

Sunday, March 8

International Women's Day draws attention to the role of women in society, culture and the economy. In Latvia it is marked by giving flowers — especially mimosas, daffodils and tulips — to mothers, daughters, and female colleagues. During the Soviet occupation it was an official public holiday; since independence was restored, it has remained only a notable day in Latvia, without a day off. The tradition of congratulating women nevertheless continues.

Tuesday, March 17

This day honours all participants of Latvia's national resistance movements who fought for Latvian statehood against both Soviet and Nazi occupation. It covers the Forest Brothers, members of the Latvian Central Council, recipients of the Order of Lāčplēsis and all those who kept the Latvian identity and the idea of statehood alive during occupation. The date of 17 March is tied to the 1944 Latvian Central Council memorandum for independence.

Wednesday, March 25

On 25 March 1949, the second major Soviet deportation from Latvia began — Operation 'Priboy' ('Surf'). Over three days (25–27 March), more than 42,000 inhabitants of Latvia were sent to Siberia — farmers, their families, children and the elderly. Many did not survive the cold, disease and the journey. This deportation was a planned crime of the communist regime against the Latvian people, aimed at destroying Latvian rural life and forcing collectivisation. On this day, the state flag is flown at half-mast. Memorial ceremonies are held at Rīga Passenger Station, from where the trains departed.

Monday, April 27

On 27 April 1917, the Latgale Latvian Congress was held in Rēzekne, declaring that Latgale is Latvian land and should be part of a united Latvian state. Before this congress, Latgale had historically belonged to the Vitebsk Governorate. Thanks to the congress's resolution and the efforts of Latgalian activists, Latgale was included in the Latvian state when independence was proclaimed in 1918. The day honours the unity of Latvia's historical territory and Latgale's distinct cultural identity.

Friday, May 8

On 8 May 1945, Nazi Germany surrendered to the Allies, ending the Second World War in Europe. In Latvia, this day is one of remembrance for the victims of war — a tribute to the millions who died both in the anti-Nazi resistance and as victims of Nazism. It differs from the Soviet 'Victory Day' (9 May) — Latvia's observance focuses on honouring all victims of the war, not on glorifying a military victory.

Saturday, May 9

Europe Day marks 9 May 1950, when French Foreign Minister Robert Schuman presented the 'Schuman Declaration' proposing to pool European coal and steel production — the symbolic founding date of the European Union. Latvia joined the EU in 2004. On this day, cultural events take place, EU institutions hold open days, and concerts celebrate a shared European identity.

Sunday, May 10

Mother's Day in Latvia is celebrated on the second Sunday of May — an international tradition first observed in Latvia in 1922. It is a family holiday in which children of all ages express gratitude to their mothers. Traditionally children give flowers (especially tulips or wild meadow flowers), hand-made cards, and visit mothers and grandmothers. In many families, Mother's Day breakfast or lunch is prepared by the father and children. Schools and kindergartens hold concerts for mothers.

Monday, June 1

International Children's Day is dedicated to the protection and well-being of children's rights. In Latvia, many free events are held for children — concerts in Mežaparks, children's festivals in city centres, open days at museums and entertainment venues. 1 June also symbolically marks the beginning of summer holidays for schoolchildren.

Sunday, June 14

On 14 June 1941, the first major Soviet deportation from Latvia began — over 15,000 inhabitants of Latvia were sent to Siberia in a single night. Those deported were 'anti-Soviet elements' — former politicians, military officers, police, farmers, teachers, religious figures and their families. Men were separated from their families and sent to Gulag labour camps; women and children were sent to special settlements in Siberia. Many never returned. On this day the flag is flown at half-mast. Memorial events are held at Rīga Passenger Station, where flowers and candles are placed at the memorial plaques.

Wednesday, June 17

On 17 June 1940, the Soviet Red Army crossed the Latvian border and began the occupation of the Republic of Latvia. This followed an ultimatum issued by the USSR on 16 June. By the afternoon of 17 June, Soviet tank columns were already in the streets of Rīga. In a matter of days, the government was replaced, free Saeima elections were suppressed, and on 5 August 1940 Latvia was forcibly incorporated into the USSR. Fifty-one years of occupation began. On this day the flag is flown at half-mast.

Monday, June 22

From 19 to 23 June 1919, the decisive Battle of Cēsis was fought during the Latvian War of Independence — the combined Latvian and Estonian armies defeated the German-led Baltische Landeswehr forces under General Rüdiger von der Goltz. This victory secured the independence of both Latvia and Estonia. The Battle of Cēsis is one of the most important Latvian military victories, and 22 June was chosen as a symbolic date to remember those who fought. Memorial ceremonies are held for the Knights of the Order of Lāčplēsis and flowers are laid at the Cēsis Freedom Monument.

Saturday, July 4

On 4 July 1941, under Nazi German occupation and with the assistance of local collaborators, several synagogues in Rīga were set on fire — including the Great Choral Synagogue on Gogoļa Street, where Jewish people were hiding at the time. They were burnt alive. This marked the symbolic beginning of the Holocaust in Latvia. Under Nazi occupation, approximately 70,000 Latvian Jews and a further 20,000 European Jews deported to Latvia were murdered. On this day the flag is flown at half-mast. Memorial events are held at the ruins of the Great Choral Synagogue and at Rumbula Forest.

Tuesday, August 11

On 11 August 1920, the Latvian–Soviet Russian Peace Treaty was signed — ending the Latvian War of Independence and officially recognising Latvia's sovereign independence. This day honours everyone who has fallen for Latvia's freedom — from the Latvian Riflemen and fighters in the War of Independence, to Knights of the Order of Lāčplēsis, post-war Forest Brothers and the defenders of the 1991 Barricades. Memorial ceremonies are held at Rīga's Brothers' Cemetery and other military cemeteries.

Friday, August 21

On 21 August 1991, following the start of the Soviet August coup in Moscow, the Supreme Council of the Republic of Latvia adopted the Constitutional Law 'On the Statehood of the Republic of Latvia' — ending the transitional period and restoring Latvia's de facto independence. The first country to recognise Latvia on that day was Iceland, with many others following soon after. This is a mandatory flag-raising day (State Flag Law, Art. 7(1)). Many Latvians consider it a 'second independence day' — while 4 May 1990 was the declaration of intent, 21 August 1991 was the realisation of independence.

Sunday, August 23

On 23 August 1939, the Soviet Union and Nazi Germany signed the Molotov–Ribbentrop Pact — a non-aggression treaty with a secret protocol dividing Europe into spheres of influence. This pact handed Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia over to Soviet occupation and helped trigger the outbreak of the Second World War. This is a pan-European remembrance day for the victims of totalitarian regimes. On 23 August 1989 — the 50th anniversary of the pact — two million Baltic people joined hands in the living 'Baltic Way', a 650-kilometre human chain from Vilnius through Rīga to Tallinn.

Tuesday, September 1

Knowledge Day marks the start of the new school year in Latvian schools and universities. Traditionally the 'First School Bell' ceremony takes place — first-graders are welcomed into the student body and 12th-graders lead the ceremony. Children bring flowers to their teachers — one of the most characteristic Latvian traditions. Many churches hold blessings for the start of the school year.

Sunday, September 13

Father's Day in Latvia is celebrated on the second Sunday of September. It is a family celebration of gratitude to fathers and grandfathers. Unlike Mother's Day (whose tradition in Latvia goes back about a century), Father's Day is relatively new — it was formalised after the restoration of independence. Traditionally children prepare hand-made gifts for their fathers, the family heads out for active time in nature, grills together, or shares a festive lunch.

Tuesday, September 22

On 22 September 1236, the Battle of Saule was fought — the combined forces of Latvians and Zemgalians defeated the Livonian Brothers of the Sword. It was one of the most important victories of the Baltic tribes in the medieval era. The Day of Baltic Unity honours this victory and symbolises the historical unity of the Baltic peoples — Latvians, Lithuanians, Prussians, Zemgalians, Curonians, Samogitians. Today the day is associated with the brotherly ties between Latvia and Lithuania — lectures, cultural events and joint commemorations are held in both countries.

Monday, October 5

Teachers' Day is celebrated worldwide on 5 October. In Latvia, pupils present their teachers with flowers and notes of thanks. Schools hold ceremonies, prizes are awarded to outstanding teachers, and 'Teacher of the Year' is named. In many schools, 12th-graders traditionally substitute for teachers for a day, teaching the younger classes themselves.

Thursday, October 15

State Language Day marks the importance of Latvian as the official language of the Republic of Latvia. On 15 October 1998, the Saeima adopted the Official Language Law, securing the status of Latvian after 50 years of Soviet occupation in which Russian had been dominant. On this day cultural events, lectures on the Latvian language, the 'Great Latvian Dictation' and language-award ceremonies take place.

Wednesday, November 11

On 11 November 1919, the Latvian Army defeated the West Russian Volunteer Army (the 'Bermontians') under General Pavel Bermondt-Avalov near Rīga — particularly at Pārdaugava and in the Old Town. This victory saved Rīga from being captured and was one of the decisive moments of the Latvian War of Independence. Lāčplēsis Day is dedicated to all of Latvia's freedom fighters — especially the Knights of the Order of Lāčplēsis. On the evening of 11 November, thousands gather to light candles at the Freedom Monument, along the Daugava embankment and at the Brothers' Cemetery in Mežaparks. A 'river of fire' forms along Brīvības Street and across the Daugava bridge — one of Latvia's most powerful national symbols.

Saturday, November 21

On 21 November 2013, in the Zolitūde district of Rīga, the roof of a new Maxima supermarket collapsed. 54 people died in the tragedy, including three rescuers. It was the largest civilian disaster in Latvia since independence and one of the most significant moments of national mourning. This day serves as a reminder of the importance of construction safety and honours those who died and their families. A memorial, 'The Bees' (Bites), stands at the Zolitūde site, where commemorations are held every year.

Sunday, December 6

The first Sunday of December is dedicated to all victims of the totalitarian communist regime — the deported, the arrested, the executed, prisoners of the Gulag, those forced into collective farms, and all who suffered under the Soviet regime. It is a broader remembrance concept than the 1941 and 1949 deportation days — it covers all who suffered during the 50-year occupation. On this day the flag is flown at half-mast. Memorial services, flower-laying and remembrance events are held throughout Latvia.

Thursday, January 1

Friday, April 3

Sunday, April 5

Monday, April 6

Friday, May 1

Monday, May 4

Sunday, May 24

Tuesday, June 23

Wednesday, June 24

Wednesday, November 18

Thursday, December 24

Friday, December 25

Saturday, December 26

Thursday, December 31