Līgo is the most important of Latvia’s national holidays. Marking the summer solstice and rooted in pre-Christian pagan traditions, it began as an ancient ritual to secure a good harvest and help communities endure the long, harsh Lativan winter. Despite centuries of foreign occupation and efforts by both Catholic and Soviet authorities to suppress it, […]

Latvian holidays are steeped in ancient pagan tradition. Most important are the winter and summer solstices. Connections with the ancient past are thought to be the most authentic connections with being Latvian. Other major holidays celebrate the hard-won independence and sovereignty of Latvia. Soviet influence, especially as compared to other former Soviet republics, is minimal, […]

Estonia’s calendar is filled with holidays that make for an excellent introduction to its history, culture, and national values. Many, many holidays and observances mark Estonia’s struggle for independence, including the dates of key battles, declarations, and treaties. This is unsurprising for a nation that has enjoyed only a few decades of independence since the […]

Russia’s Olivier Salad (Салат «Оливье») and Latvia’s rasols are well-known staples of their respective cuisines and common additions to holiday tables. Today, the recipes for both are quite similar, with chopped vegetables, egg, and meat dressed with mayonnaise. Olivier is now eaten throughout the former USSR and has even become common as “Russian Salad” in […]