Valentine's Day in Latvia (Svētā Valentīna diena)

History and Traditions: Valentine's Day, while not a traditional Latvian holiday, has been adopted from Western cultures and gained popularity since the early 1990s after the fall of the Soviet Union. While it doesn't have deep roots in Latvian history, it is now recognized as a day to celebrate love and affection between intimate companions.

Contemporary Celebrations: On February 14th, people in Latvia embrace many of the common Western traditions associated with Valentine's Day. These include:

• Exchanging Gifts: Couples exchange gifts such as flowers, particularly red roses, chocolates, and other romantic items.
• Cards: Giving greeting cards with romantic messages is common.
• Romantic Dinners: Many couples go out for a romantic dinner at restaurants or cook special meals at home.
• Events and Concerts: Some organizations and venues may host special events, concerts or parties themed around love and romance.

While Valentine’s Day is more popular among younger generations in urban areas like Riga, its observance continues to spread across different age groups and regions within Latvia. It serves as an additional occasion for expressing love and appreciation in a society that also cherishes its own traditional festivals.