Christmas Day in Latvia ― Date, History, and Details
Christmas Day in Latvia may be something you want to learn more about, and we want to help with that.
Let's dive deeper into learning more about the history of Christmas Day in Latvia and why people celebrate or observe it.
History of Christmas Day in Latvia and How to Celebrate/ Observe It
Christmas Day in Latvia is celebrated on December 25th. The day is a public holiday and most people have the day off from work. Families typically spend the day together, often exchange gifts, and enjoy a festive meal. Many people attend church services on Christmas Day.
Christmas Eve is often considered more important than Christmas Day itself. On the evening of December 24th, families gather together for a special dinner known as the Jāņi feast. This meal typically includes dishes such as carp, herring, potatoes, sauerkraut, and rye bread. After dinner, many people head to Midnight Mass at church.
While Santa Claus is known in Latvia, he is not the one who brings gifts on Christmas Eve. Instead, gifts are brought by a character called Ziemassvētku vecītis, or the Christmas Old Man. This tradition is thought to date back to pagan times, when it was believed that spirits roamed the earth on this night.
In recent years, Christmas in Latvia has become increasingly commercialized. However, many people still try to keep the focus on family and tradition.