Holidays

Holidays are times set aside on the calendar to observe tradition, remember history, or celebrate a cause. Some have ancient roots while others are modern inventions. All are associated with the identity of those that observe them. The below resources discuss the rituals, foods, language, and other cultural elements connected with major holidays as observed in Eurasian locations. In some cases, American holidays are also discussed – to help students build vocabulary to discuss and celebrate their own traditions while abroad.

Filter holidays for: Slavic, Turkic, Caucasian, or Other.

Latvians on Ligo, the Wild Latvian Midsummer Celebration

Every summer solstice, Latvians gather to celebrate Ligo, one of their biggest national holidays. Originally a pagan holiday celebrating Ligo, the god of fertility, this is a colorful and boisterous holiday that many might see at odds with the otherwise famously reserved Latvian demeanor.  Walking the streets of Riga on this day, you will see […]

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