Discovering Latvia
A country I had the chance to discover throughout local friends, still remaining as a kept secret. In Brazil, for example, not so many people know the Baltics, no clue where Latvia is located. That’s why I’m writing this post! Between Lithuania (border in the southern part) and Estonia (border in the north), Latvia also shares borders with Belarus on southeast and with Russia on the east. Its oficial language is the Latvian, and many locals speak English and Russian.
Latvians, at least for a South-American, are fit into Northern Europe culture. They’re in general polite and receptive, however many locals keep a certain social distance. Initially, they may look cold, but as they open up with you, they start to reveal themselves as friendly, it just takes some time. I could notice Latvians have that feeling to preserve their personal space, like their aura, and take seriously this aspect. It’s fine if you ask people for information on the streets, but if you take long conversations with someone you don’t know, it looks like invasive for them, you know? Only a cultural aspect! Just a few times people I didn’t know started to talk with me at a bar or a hang out since they saw I was with locals.
Riga, the capital and the biggest Latvian city, has about 500.000 inhabitants. Historically, the city established as trading post among Baltics, Russians e Germans — and nowadays hosts the biggest port in the Baltics. Other point to mention is that the Baltic Sea doesn’t freeze as happens in Saint Petersburg (Russia), which boosts the trade along the region.
Very easy to walk by and safe, Riga mix modern and historical landcaspes, which gives to the city a very particular atmosphere. It’s easily accessible through E-67 road that links the Baltic countries (Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia) to Russia; in addition to the ferry boat options to Stockholm (Sweden), Helsink (Finland) and Tallinn (Estonia). Just a detail, if you drive in Latvia, don’t drink! Local laws are very strict, it means jail!
The city has a rich and diverse architecture, with lots of buildings on Art Noveau style, built between 18th century and the First World War, carrying a decoration based on the drawing of flowers and animals. Such historical buildings included Riga Old Town to the UNESCO World Heritage list. Moreover, Riga was named in 2014 as European Capital of Culture.
In the Eastern part of the city, modern building stand out, as the National Library and the 368 meters TV Tower. And we can’t forget the wooden buidings that are typical from Latvia. Besides the architecture, the Daugava River also marks the local landcaspe crossing along the city.
During my visit in Latvia, it was greatly remarkable the opportunity I had to go to Latvian Song and Dance Festival. The event happens every 5 years, uniting folkloric groups from all the parts of the country and has a great importance for the national identity. There were maybe some 40.000 people, 8 hours of music! I don’t remember to see in other event I’ve gone people holding posters writtten something like “I buy tickets”. And the next one, only in 2018!
It was also interesting to notice the influence of pagan cultures in the daily life in Latvia, worshiping nature, rituals to celebrate the beginning of spring and summer, for example.
Taking the road 20 km from Riga, it’s valid visit Jurmala Beach, frequented by Latvians and Russians, as many locals speak Russian language. By the way, the water in Baltic Sea isn’t salted.
I hope to help you get the first information about Latvia. Next step, go ahead!
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