Latvia

Summer

summer
Jani

On the june 24th, latvians celebrate the ancient midsummer festival called - jani. before that jani flea markets are held in major towns.

summer
Sigulda Opera Festival

At the beginning of august, held in open air in sigulda town.

summer
 

'Liepajas Dzintars (http://www.liepajasdzinta...) - the end of August is the time for famous Liepaja music festival.

Latvia has one of the longest sand beaches in Europe. In July and August the water is warm enough to swim comfortably. The sea has a very slow slope. As a best natural beach is listed the coast southways form Liepaja. Because it is a coast of open sea not a gulf with cleaner water, brighter sand, and not too many people, because its not close to massive population. With stable air temperature 30°C, water temperature is about 20°C which is very refreshing when You take an intensive sunbath. You don't practically need to wash Your self after beach, because salt level is pleasantly low.

summer
 

riga good times event during the last week of jun and beginning july organized by riga couchsurfing community

Latvian Song and Dance Festival

One of the key cultural events in Latvia, which started back in 1873 as a singing festival. Now the festival involves live performances of various choirs, folk dance groups, brass bands etc. Competitions, exibitions, concerts, parades and joint concerts are some of the cultural events. Riga is full with people wearing traditional costumes and cheerful people from all Latvia. It is held once in five years. The last Latvian Song and Dance Festival (http://www.dziesmusvetki2...) took place from 6th to 12th July, 2008 in Riga.

summer
Country music festival

(http://www.cma.lv/) - held annually in bauska, around middle july for 2 days. european and us country musicans. camping on the site possible.

summer
Saulkrasti Jazz

(http://www.saulkrastijazz.lv/) - yearly jazz festival, which is held at the end of july. latvian and massive number of foreign musicians are performing live by the sea. weekly gigs culminate in one final concert. saulkrasti can be easily reached from the riga main train terminal by train.

summer
International Music Festival “Riga Rythms”

(http://www.rigasritmi.lv/) usually held at the beginning of july in riga.

summer
Cesis Music and Art Festival. Medieval Festivity

At the beginning of august. all things medieval there - food, costumes, customs, etc.

Spring

spring
International Baltic Balet Festival

(http://www.ballet-festival.lv/) in april/may.

spring
Days of Art

In cesis, april

spring
 

As rivers get more water from melting snow, kayaking down the river is one of the favorite past times for young people. It usually gets warmer after Easter.

spring
Easter

Usually something is going on in town centers. experience traditional easter celebrations with swings and egg fight. perfect time of the year to "indulge" in traditional balzams - a high alcohol content liqueur, and for cultural pursuits such as seeing the amazing riga opera.

spring
European Undertaking “Museum Night”

All over latvia, in may.

Winter

winter
New Year eve

Most locals celebrate with their family, but there's a chance to see something on streets as well. traditional food includes stewed peas that symbolize tears: eating peas you leave all tears in a year behind.

winter
 

There are a lot of possibilities to practice winter sports - snowboarding, cross country skiing, downhill skiing etc. Ramkalni (http://www.ramkalni.lv/en.php/), Baili (http://www.baili.lv/), Zviedru Cepure (http://www.zviedrucepure....). Some of slopes are open till late night. Usually need car to access.

winter
International Ice Sculpture Festival

In jelgava, february

winter
International Festival of Cartoons - Bimini

In riga, march

Not impossible especially if you are an EU citizen, but you have to find a company which will be willing to pay a 35 LVL fee per month, work permit up to 170 LVL once and an additional fee for checking your documents of education 47.20 LVL once. Salary should not be less than 246 LVL per month.

Job advertisements in Latvian daily newspapers like Diena Tuesday or Saturday edition, some of those ads are in English, German, Russian or French.

autumn

There are many interesting and old castles around Latvia. Association of Latvian Castles, Palaces and Manors (http://www.pilis.lv/tulk/...) has links and photos on their website. Note that sometimes castles are reserved for private occasions.

It is popular to go for a stroll in the autumn to watch the different shades of colour, when the trees turn red and yellow. Popular places for such activities are Sigulda and Vidzemes Augstiene.