Latvia is a country rich in traditions and cultures, with many festivals and celebrations throughout the year. Whether you’re planning to visit Latvia for a cultural experience or looking to enrich your language skills, having a handy list of Latvian vocabulary for these occasions can enhance your experience. Here’s a collection of Latvian words along with their meanings that you can use during festivals and celebrations:

Svētki – Festivals or Celebrations.
This is a general term for any kind of festive occasion in Latvia.
Vasarā Latvijā ir daudzi lieliski svētki. (During the summer, there are many great festivals in Latvia.)

Līgo svētki – Midsummer celebration.
One of the most important traditional Latvian festivals, celebrating the summer solstice.
Visi gatavojas Līgo svētkiem ar zāļu vēnēm un ugunskuriem. (Everyone is preparing for Midsummer celebrations with herbal wreaths and bonfires.)

Jāņi – Midsummer Day.
This specific term refers to the day of the midsummer celebration, named after John the Baptist.
Jāņi ir viens no maniem mīļākajiem Latvijas svētkiem. (Midsummer Day is one of my favorite Latvian holidays.)

Ugunskurs – Bonfire.
A central element in many Latvian celebrations, particularly during midsummer.
Mēs visi pulcējāmies ap ugunskuru dziesmu dziedāšanai. (We all gathered around the bonfire to sing songs.)

Zāļu diena – Herb Day.
A day for collecting herbs, which is an essential part of the Līgo festivities.
Zāļu dienā cilvēki vāc ārstniecības augus un puķes. (On Herb Day, people collect medicinal plants and flowers.)

Dzimšanas diena – Birthday.
A personal celebration for an individual’s birthday.
Šodien ir mana dzimšanas diena, tāpēc esmu saņēmis daudz apsveikumu. (Today is my birthday, so I have received many greetings.)

Kāzas – Wedding.
The celebration of marriage in Latvia, often featuring traditional elements.
Mums nākamnedēļ būs jaukas kāzas vecajā muižā. (We will have a lovely wedding at the old manor next week.)

Balle – Ball or Dance.
A social gathering involving dancing, often connected to certain celebrations.
Viņi satikās pirmo reizi uz balle. (They met for the first time at a dance.)

Svinības – Festivities.
Refers to the celebration or the act of celebrating an occasion.
Svinības turpinājās līdz agrai rīta stundai. (The festivities continued until the early hours of the morning.)

Ziemassvētki – Christmas.
The annual Christian festival celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ.
Decembrī visi ģatavojas Ziemassvētkiem. (In December, everyone prepares for Christmas.)

Jāņu siers – Traditional Latvian caraway cheese made specifically for the Midsummer celebration.
Bez Jāņu siera nav īstas Līgo svētku sajūtas. (Without the traditional Midsummer caraway cheese, it doesn’t feel like a true Midsummer celebration.)

Piroska – Fireworks.
Fireworks are commonly used in Latvia to celebrate New Year’s Eve and other big celebrations.
Līgo svētku vakarā debesīs varēja redzēt krāšņas piroskas. (On Midsummer’s Eve, you could see splendid fireworks in the sky.)

Remember, the cultural context of each word in Latvian festivals and celebrations adds to its meaning. Using these words at the appropriate times can not only enrich your vocabulary but also your experience and understanding of Latvian culture and traditions. Celebrate with Latvians and use these words to feel more connected to the festivities!