🧒👧 The Latvian School Youth Song and Dance Festival

🧒👧 The Latvian School Youth Song and Dance Festival – where our nation's future grows 🌈🎶

🗓️ From July 7 to 13, in Latvia’s capital Rīga, the city will come alive with the 13th Latvian School Youth Song and Dance Festival –
an event where thousands of little hearts sing and dance, continuing the living tale of our nation... 🌿

This festival is a bridge of hope and love,
where children and young people from every corner of Latvia and beyond
unite their voices, their steps, their breath –
as one with the land and its ancient roots. 💫

🎤 The Mežaparks Grand Stage — the largest open-air stage in the world — will echo with the voices of up to 16,000 singers,
while on the field of Daugava Stadium, more than 17,000 dancers will bring our folk patterns to life,
line by line, step by step, carrying Latvia in their hearts. 🧵🇱🇻

This tradition is part of the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage,
because here, a song is not just sound — it is the breath of the soul.
And a dance is not just movement — it is the heartbeat of a people.

👫 Here, Latvia is born. In song. In dance. In the future.

🌿 Jāņu Night — The Fire of Life and the Song of Our Ancestors

🌿 Jāņu/Līgo Night — The Fire of Life and the Song of Our Ancestors

Līgo and Jāņi are not just summer solstice celebrations — they are the awakening of the Latvian soul. A sacred moment when the Sun reaches her highest path in the sky, and nature opens its gates to the mystery of light. A tradition carried through centuries, from ancient rites to today’s bonfires glowing in meadows and backyards.

🎶 Līgo Songs — Living Roots That Sing Through Us

There can be no Jāņi without song. The voices of our ancestors echo softly yet deeply through time: “Līgo, līgo!”
It’s not just a chorus — it’s a heartbeat of life, connecting the past and present, reminding us we belong to something greater — to the land, to the people, to the light.

🎧 Listen and feel the spirit rise within you.
We’ve curated a special collection of Latvian solstice songs — immerse yourself in the soundscape of celebration:
👉 Click here to enjoy the Jāņu Songs Playlist on YouTube

👑 The Wreath — A Circle of Life Worn with Pride

Women have long braided flower crowns from nine sacred summer herbs — to attract beauty, love, and vitality. Men wear wreaths of oak leaves, symbols of strength, honor, and courage.
These aren’t mere ornaments — they are living signs, personal talismans, protectors in the magical stillness of Midsummer Night.

🌼 An old belief says: "Whoever wears a crown on Līgo Night will walk with good fortune as their shadow all year long."

🔥 The Jāņi Bonfire — Guardian of Light Through the Night

The fire is more than light — it is the pulse of life, the sun reborn on earth. Lit to drive away darkness, bless the fields, clear the mind, and warm the soul. People sing, dance, and leap over it — not just for joy, but to shed burdens and step into the second half of summer renewed and alive.

✨ Those who leap the flames together will stay together. And those who gaze into the fire with love will carry its light in their hearts all year long.

🌿 The Nine Herbs & the Morning Dew — Nature’s Magic and Medicine

Yarrow, St. John's wort, bedstraw, wild strawberry leaf, cornflower, wormwood, oxeye daisy, mugwort, fern... These are not just wildflowers — they are guardians of wellness, carriers of ancient wisdom, bathed in the dew of Midsummer morning.

💧 Wash your face in the morning dew — beauty will stay, sickness will fade, and your spirit will rise like the song of a cuckoo.

🌌 The Fern Blossom — A Secret Found Only by the Heart

Legend whispers that the fern blooms just once a year — on this night, for a moment, to those who seek it with their hearts. It is not a flower you pick. It is an awakening – of love, of courage, of truth. A moment when two souls may find each other in quiet, beneath the starlit sky.

🌺 The fern blossom is a wish fulfilled, but only for those who are ready to receive it with love, not logic.

🎶 Līgo Songs — Living Roots That Sing Through Us

There can be no Jāņi without song. The voices of our ancestors echo softly yet deeply through time: “Līgo, līgo!”
It’s not just a chorus — it’s a heartbeat of life, connecting the past and present, reminding us we belong to something greater — to the land, to the people, to the light.

🎧 Listen and feel the spirit rise within you.
We’ve curated a special collection of Latvian solstice songs — immerse yourself in the soundscape of celebration:
👉 Click here to enjoy the Jāņu Songs Playlist on YouTube

“When Līgo songs fill the air, even the stars blink to the rhythm.”

🏒✨ Hockey Spring 2025 – Gold Touched by Tears 🇺🇸🕯️

🏒✨ Hockey Spring 2025 – Gold Touched by Tears 🇺🇸🕯️

This wasn’t just a game.
It was a story — deep, human, and unforgettable.

The 2025 IIHF World Championship came to a close in Stockholm, and this time, the gold medals crossed the ocean — into the hands of Team USA, who claimed a hard-fought 1–0 overtime victory against Switzerland. 🇺🇸🥇🇨🇭

But this win was not just about the scoreboard.
It was gold with a soul. With tears. With an empty seat on the bench and a full heart in every player.

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🕯️ The Spirit of Johnny Gaudreau – The Heart of the Team

Throughout the tournament, a jersey with the number 13 hung quietly and respectfully in the Team USA locker room —
belonging to Johnny Gaudreau, who tragically passed away in August 2024.

“Johnny was here. He watched this game.”
These simple, deeply moving words by head coach Ryan Warsofsky after the final became the team’s silent manifesto.

Twenty men skated on the ice.
But in their hearts, they were twenty-one. 💔

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⛸️ A Turn in History

This was only the third time in history that the United States became world champions — following their triumphs in 1933 and the 1960 Olympic tournament, which held world championship status.

Meanwhile, Switzerland stood on the final stage for the third time in the past 12 years — and once again, they gave their all, only to fall just short. 🥈

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🌍 Hockey as a Metaphor for Life

The 2025 championship proved again that hockey is more than a game.
It’s a stage for life itself — where paved emotions, losses, and hopes meet team spirit, belief, and respect.

Team USA’s victory was not only a tribute to skill and talent,
but to friendship, soul, and memory. 🙏

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This was Hockey Spring 2025 —
A spring where gold wasn’t just metal.
It was warmth living in people,
And a story that will live forever.

🇱🇻 We honor the champions with respect,
And thank all the teams for an unforgettable tournament!

🎉 2025 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship – We Held Our Ground! 🇱🇻🏒

🎉 2025 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship – We Held Our Ground! 🇱🇻🏒

With hearts full of passion and eyes tracking every puck — this championship once again proved that Latvia belongs to the elite of world hockey. 🥇🌍
Our national team reminded the world that we are not just fans — we are a nation that breathes with the game!

Though the quarterfinals were just one step away this year, we played with heart, pride, and for Latvia! 💖🤍💖
Year after year, we haven’t just shown up — we’ve held Latvia high on the global map as a serious and respected hockey nation.

🏒 World-renowned coaches have led our team, laying the foundation for stability, growth, and character.
It's no coincidence that we are seen — and respected — in ice arenas around the globe.

And that’s what matters most — character and staying true to ourselves.
Not only on the ice, but in life.
Because we know — our strength isn't just in goals or points, it’s in unity and belief. 🇱🇻

Thank you, our hockey heroes — for the emotions, the fight, and the pride!
We were, we are, and we will always be with you — in candlelight and in flag’s colors. 🕯️🏒✨

Latvian Lions Triumph Over Slovenia: A Win That Warms the Heart! 🇱🇻🔥

                                                                       Latvian Lions Triumph Over Slovenia: A Win That Warms the Heart! 🇱🇻🔥

Tonight, our boys lit up the ice like flickering candle flames on a dark evening — glowing, determined, and full of purpose! 🕯️❄️ With true team spirit, perseverance, and hearts beating for Latvia, they brought home a radiant victory over Slovenia! 💫🏒💥

Just as a candle lights a room, this match lit up our souls — every goal a tiny spark that made hearts glow with joy, both at home and in the stands. ❤️🤍❤️

This wasn’t just a win on the scoreboard — it was a triumph of belief, unity, and the unbreakable spirit of our people! 🙌💪

Let’s keep those fingers crossed for our guys in the next battles on ice!
Go, Latvia – with love, like the glow of our candle flames! 🕯️🇱🇻✨

May 9, the Ice Hockey World Championship begins! 🏒🌍

🥳 Just a few more days — and on May 9, the Ice Hockey World Championship begins! 🏒🌍

For us Latvians, it’s more than just a game — it’s our spirit, unity, and strength! 💪❤️ Every spring, our hearts beat as one when our brave team steps onto the ice, showing the world that we are as great as our willpower is strong! 🇱🇻🔥

📅 Here’s Team Latvia’s game schedule – mark your calendars, put on some red-white-red 💖🤍💖, and let’s cheer for our heroes together! 🤞🥅

🧣🏒🇱🇻 #LatviaOnIce #FingersCrossed #WeStandByOurTeam

🇱🇻 May 4 — Restoration of Independence Day in Latvia ✨🎉

🇱🇻 May 4 — Restoration of Independence Day in Latvia ✨🎉

Today, on May 4, we celebrate one of the most meaningful moments in Latvia’s history — the Restoration of Independence Day! 💫🇱🇻

📜 On May 4, 1990, the Supreme Council of the Latvian SSR voted 138 in favor to adopt the Declaration on the Restoration of Independence — a bold and powerful step toward freedom! 🕊️✍️

🙌 As the results were announced, the streets of Old Riga erupted with emotion — thousands of people greeted the deputies as they emerged through the Saeima doors with hands raised high, met with tears of joy, songs, and applause! 🎶😭💐

❤️🤍❤️ It was a day when the heart of the nation beat as one, and the people said: “We are free!” 🌟

👑 Now, in 2025, we mark the 35th anniversary — with pride, gratitude, and hope for the future. 🥳🎈
Today, the Latvian Parliament honors the brave members of the Supreme Council who said “YES” to freedom, and the spirit of an entire nation. 🌿🌸

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🙏 May this day remind us to stay united, to believe in what’s right, and to carry Latvia in our hearts every day. 💖🌄
🇱🇻 Happy May 4 — Latvia’s Freedom Day! 🥂🎉
Let us live for Latvia, love Latvia, be Latvia. ❤️🤍❤️

"Latvia — where hockey is more than just a game." ❤️🏒

🇱🇻🏒 Very soon — on May 9 — the Ice Hockey World Championship will kick off in Sweden🇸🇪  and Denmark🇩🇰!

Before the tournament begins, let’s look back and celebrate Latvia’s historic victories 🥉, including our unforgettable 3rd place finish in 2023! 🙌

And let’s witness how the greatest fans in the world 🎉 support our heroes on the ice! ❤️🤍❤️

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📽️ Video 1:
🏒 Latvia’s Historic Bronze Goal!
👉  Watch it here! 

📽️ Video 2:
🥅 Thirty Goals to Victory!
👉  Watch it here! 

📽️ Video 3:
🎉 Unforgettable Celebration at the Freedom Monument — the Whole of Latvia United! 
👉 Watch here! 
👉 And another amazing view here!

📽️ Video 4:
🏆 27 Years to Bronze — The Realization of Latvia’s Hockey Dream!
👉 Watch here!                                                                                                                                             

🚀 With all our hearts, we stand together with our heroes!
Go, Latvia! ❤️🤍❤️ We believe in you and are ready for new victories! 🏒🔥

Easter in Latvia

Easter in Latvia: A Unique Blend of Christian and Ancient Latvian Traditions

Easter in Latvia, known as Lieldienas, is a unique fusion of Christian and ancient Latvian traditions, reflected in both religious rituals and folk customs. These celebrations symbolize the triumph of light over darkness, the renewal of life, and hope.

✝️ Christian Significance

Easter is a Christian festival commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ on the third day after His crucifixion. The observance begins with Holy Week, featuring Palm Sunday (Pūpolu Svētdiena), Maundy Thursday (Zaļā Ceturtdiena), Good Friday (Lielā Piektdiena), and Holy Saturday (Klusā Sestdiena), culminating in Easter Sunday (Pirmās Lieldienas). Churches hold special services where the faithful remember Christ's sacrifice and celebrate His victory over death.

🌿 Ancient Latvian Customs

Before the advent of Christianity, ancient Latvians celebrated the spring equinox, a time when day and night are equal, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness. This period marked the awakening of nature and the return of fertility. Traditional activities include:.

• Egg Dyeing: Using natural materials like onion skins, grass strands, flowers, and yarn, eggs are dyed in various colors and patterns. Each egg is then wrapped in cloth or newspaper, secured with yarn, and boiled. The result is uniquely decorated eggs, often polished with butter to enhance their shine.

• Swinging: Swinging on high swings is believed to protect against mosquitoes and promote health. This tradition is accompanied by singing and is a cherished part of the Easter celebrations.

• Pussy Willow Beating: On Palm Sunday, people symbolically beat each other with pussy willow branches (pūpoli), wishing health and strength.

• Egg Rolling and Fights: Eggs are rolled down slopes or tapped against each other in friendly competitions, symbolizing the sun's path and the cycle of life.

🕊️ A Fusion of Faith and Tradition

In Latvia, Easter is a time when Christian and ancient Latvian traditions merge into a unified celebration. Church bells and services intertwine with folk songs, swinging, and egg dyeing. This rich tapestry of customs makes Easter a special and significant time in Latvian culture.

''Flow/Straume'' 🏆 Golden Globe Award

👉The film ''Flow/Straume'' (2024), directed by Gints Zilbalodis, is a remarkable success story in Latvian cinematography. This animated adventure has garnered international acclaim,🏆 winning the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature and the🏆 Golden Globe Award in the same category. Notably, it was also nominated for 🏆Best International Feature Film, marking significant milestones for Latvian cinema on the🌐 global stage.

The film's success has brought pride to Latvia, with over 320,000 viewers in Latvian theaters and the 🏆Golden Globe award displayed at the Latvian 🏛National Museum of Art.

Flow's achievement is a testament to the power of storytelling and animation, showcasing the talent and creativity emerging from Latvia🔥💪💖                              

Amazing Places to visit in Latvia - Travel Video

Downhill on Ice Tracks: "Bobsled, Skeleton, Luge''

✨Down the most picturesque ice track in the Swiss mountains & discover how/why the curves got such beautiful 'Names'"✨

http://

👉🌐 https://www.ibsf.org/en/

🔥🔥🔥 Latvian athletes proudly represent their country in the world of sliding sports, including bobsleigh, skeleton, and luge, racing down winding ice tracks worldwide at speeds reaching 130 km/h. These sports have a rich history in Latvia, with luge developing over more than 50 years, and bobsleigh and skeleton gaining prominence since the 1980s. Latvian athletes have achieved significant success, earning medals in World and European Championships, as well as the Olympic Games.🔥🔥🔥

History has been made for ice hockey Team Latvia!

🔥🔥🔥"The Latvian U-20 hockey 🏒 team heroically secures 7th place in the World Hockey Championship!💖 We are proud of the boys who carry Latvia's name across the world!"🔥🔥🔥

With 4:3 overtime win vs Germany, TEAM LATVIA 🇱🇻 advances to IIHF World Junior Championship quarterfinals!  The first time Latvia has won 2 games in the preliminary round.

GO  LATVIA GO! LEPOJAMIES un APSVEICAM!TĀ TURPINĀT!  ❤️🇱🇻❤️

We are proud of You! 🇱🇻❤️

Latvia beats Canada for the first time ever at the World Juniors                  

2025 Word Junior Championship Highlits Canada vs. Latvia

Amazing Places to visit in Latvia - Travel Video

Heroes' week November 11 to 18

Through millennia

By the Amber Sea

Lives a resilient Nation,

Where every Latvian

Holds a quatrain collected by the Father of Dainas/Folk songs/ Krišjānis Barons;

And when the Nation unites in a beautiful Song:))

During the festive week, with the Red-White-Red Flag in our hearts,

We can honor the Heroes of November 11th /Lāčplēsis Day/,

And on November 18th

/Proclamation Day of the Republic of Latvia/

Sing our Prayer,

Which has become the National Anthem—

God Bless Latvia!

 Before Latvia joined the                                  European Union&NATO in 2004