Ziemassvētki in Latvia
Ziemassvētki in Latvia is held on December 24. This event in the third decade of the month December is annual. Help us
Ziemassvētki is an annual festival in Latvia which observes the winter solstice and birth of Jesus Christ. Latvians around the world celebrate it from 24 to 25 December. 24 December is Ziemassvētku vakars (Christmas Eve, lit. Christmas Evening), 24 December is Ziemassvētku vakars (Christmas Evening), while 25 December is Pirmie Ziemassvētkiis (First Christmas), 26 December Otrie Ziemassvētki (Second Christmas). Christianity traditionally celebrates the birthday of Jesus Christ on 25 December, according to the Julian calendar, but Orthodox churches follow the Eastern Orthodox liturgical calendar and, as a result, the majority of Orthodox churches celebrate Ziemassvētki on 6, 7 and 8 January.
Ziemassvētki is also celebrated by people whose religious belief is not Christianity. Nowadays the customary Ziemassvētki traditions are decorating the Ziemassvētku egle (Christmas tree), Ziemassvētku vecītis (Santa Claus, lit. Old Christmas Man), baking piparkūkas (gingerbread) and mandarin scent.
Similar holidays and events, festivals and interesting facts
Star Day in Latvia on January 6 (Zvaigznes diena);
Horse Day in Latvia on January 17 (Zirgu Diena);
Pig and Stomach Day in Latvia on January 17 (Tena diena or Tanis diena, Gentlemen's Day);
Wind Day in Latvia on February 2 (Veja diena);
Porridge Day in Latvia on February 4 (Biezputras Diena);
Latvian Legion Day on March 16 (Latvia)