Latvia — a land where ancient folk customs intertwine with Christian traditions, especially during the time of year when nature awakens and the sun grows warmer. Easter is one of the most significant spring festivals, symbolizing the renewal of life, the victory of the sun over winter, and hope for a new beginning.

This article will introduce you to Latvia’s rich Easter traditions, helping you better understand why these celebrations are so special and how they are observed today.

Easter Before Christianity: Celebrating the Sun

Before the arrival of Christianity in Latvia in the 12th–13th centuries, spring was celebrated as a time of nature’s awakening. The ancient Latvians worshipped the Sun and believed that the spring equinox — the moment when day becomes longer than night — was a crucial point in the cycle of the year. Early Easter celebrations were therefore dedicated to honoring the return of light and fertility. During this time, people performed various rituals to promote fertility, ensure a good harvest, and protect their homes from evil. For example, people would swing in large swings, roll eggs, and sing spring songs.

Christian Easter: Celebrating Christ’s Resurrection

With the arrival of Christianity, Easter celebrations gained a new meaning — commemorating the resurrection of Christ. Many ancient traditions were merged with the new religious context. Even today, Easter in Latvia is celebrated with both Christian and folk elements. In Latvia, the Easter season begins with the observance of Holy Week, placing special emphasis on Good Friday and Easter Sunday. Many people attend church services that commemorate Christ’s suffering, death, and resurrection.

Easter Traditions in Latvia: What to Experience and Try?

• Egg Dyeing and Rolling

One of the most well-known Easter rituals is egg dyeing. Traditionally, eggs were colored using natural materials such as onion skins, birch leaves, birch buds, or blueberry juice. These natural dyes give the eggs unique, earthy tones and patterns. Once the eggs are dyed, egg-rolling games begin — competitions where the winner is the one whose egg rolls the farthest or remains unbroken upon collision. This game symbolizes the rolling of the sun across the sky and is an exciting pastime for all ages.

• Swinging

Swinging is especially important during Easter. Tradition says that swinging ensures fertility, good health, and protection from mosquitoes and other pests during the summer. Therefore, many special Easter swings are erected across Latvia, where children and adults joyfully swing high into the sky. Today, many municipalities organize special events featuring swings, games, and concerts.

• Spring Songs and Games

On Easter morning, Latvians traditionally sing spring songs, also called bird-calling songs, to attract a good harvest and good fortune. Even today, folklore groups perform and invite visitors to participate in games and festivities. Popular activities include egg rolling, swinging, and matchmaking games, symbolizing the awakening of nature and people.

• Beliefs and Rituals

The Easter season in Latvia is filled with various beliefs. If you wash your face with running water or morning dew on Easter morning, you will be healthy and energetic all year. If you swing a lot during Easter, your work will be successful throughout the year. If the sky is clear on Easter morning, a bountiful and happy year is expected. Many of these beliefs are still followed today, adding a special magic to the holiday.

Modern Easter: Blending Tradition and New Customs

While ancient traditions are respected in Latvia, modern Easter celebrations also reflect European and global influences. Easter fairs are often organized, offering handmade crafts, spring flowers, artisanal goods, and traditional treats. Egg hunts are held for children in parks and gardens. Many families use the Easter holidays as an opportunity for nature outings, as this is often the first warmer period of spring. Cultural events such as concerts, exhibitions, and creative workshops are also held. In Riga, Sigulda, Cēsis, Turaida, and elsewhere, special events combine Latvian traditions with contemporary activities.

How Newcomers Can Participate in Easter Celebrations in Latvia

If you are currently living in Latvia and wish to immerse yourself in the local culture, Easter is a wonderful opportunity. Attend local events and fairs organized by municipalities, cultural centers, and museums. Try dyeing eggs using natural methods like onion skins or blueberry juice. Enjoy traditional swings if you see them in parks or festival grounds. Join in egg-rolling games or creative workshops. Share your own Easter traditions — Latvians are welcoming and happy to hear about customs from other cultures.

The most important thing is to embrace the joy of spring, the sunny atmosphere, and the sense of togetherness that is especially heartfelt in Latvia during Easter.

Services of the Integration and Inclusion Agency are provided by the Society Integration Foundation within the framework of the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund’s project (Agreement No. PMIF/13.1./2022/1/01). The funding has been allocated by the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (75%) and Latvian State budget (25%).