creativelime

Cēsis, Cēsu District, Latvia

Cēsis is so homely and cosy that a visit to this town seems like a holiday to a kind Latvian granny. This is a place, where genuine cordiality and real cosiness vibrates in the air; where one can laze a bit and forget everything else in the world; where each traveller is welcomed warmly and plied with the tastiest honey-covered bread slice ever.

Cēsis is truly not only one of the oldest but also one of the most Latvian towns. Rich in picturesque landscapes and testimonies of the past, it embodies both an intriguing sense of antiquity and modern self-esteem.

If you wish to recover your mind from the crowd of the city, you should take a walk through the small lanes of Cēsis, which still maintain their layout as in medieval times. They cross unique silent yards, with small one- or two-storey buildings with red tile roofs on the side, as mute but friendly witnesses with lilac bushes and roses blossoming next to them in spring-time. The Cēsis church and the old castle-ruins with the castle park are places welcome where to let yourself think and wonder.

Priedkalne, Riga district

Celebrated throughout Latvia, Ligo Diena is the annual celebration of the Summer Solstice which marks the longest day of the year and is celebrated on Midsummer's Eve. It is an ancient practice which dates back to pre-Christian times and has many rituals that are closely associated with nature and the hope for a good harvest in the autumn. It is a time to be with friends, family and loved ones and is usually celebrated with a big meal during the day before heading out to one of the many public parties which involve traditional dances and more eating, drinking ale and singing. Bonfires are also lit which is a ritual that links back to the old tradition of cleansing and warding off evil spirits. The day is a national holiday in Latvia, as is Midsummer's Day which is known as Jani.