October arrives quietly in Latvia — the green leaves begin to turn yellow, the air smells of damp earth, and there’s a chill that whispers of the darker months ahead. Mornings become misty, and evenings surprisingly short. For many who are spending their first year here, this is the moment when the question arises: how do you get used to such early darkness and chilly days?

In truth, for Latvians this season is not just about the cold or the rain — it’s about transition, peace, and the search for warmth. It’s a time to slow down, breathe in the scent of autumn, and discover how people in this country have learned to “get through the winter” not only physically, but also emotionally.

Long ago, autumn was when fieldwork ended and people began preparing for winter. Firewood was stacked, apples stored in attics, and homes filled with a soft, peaceful quiet. In the glow of candlelight, stories were told, socks were knitted, and songs were sung. It was a time of togetherness and warmth, when every word and every flame carried the hope that light would return.

Today, life moves faster, but the human need for light and warmth remains the same. When darkness falls early in October, we light candles, brew tea, and look for calm within our homes. This is the Latvian way of responding to autumn — with peace, light, and coziness.

Dark evenings are also perfect for learning Latvian. Picking up a few new words can become a small evening ritual — rudens (autumn), lietus (rain), silta tēja (warm tea), svece (candle), mājīgums (coziness). These words carry the feeling of Latvia and help you better understand the people who live here. Perhaps October is the perfect time to start watching Latvian films with subtitles or to listen to local music. Music and language together help you not only understand Latvia, but truly feel it.

Latvians often say: “You have to prepare well to get through winter well.” That means not only stocking up on warm clothes, but also preparing your mind and mood. Autumn is when we begin to warm ourselves from the inside — through conversations, tea, light, and quiet moments. If you’re new to Latvia, this can also be a time to put down roots — to explore traditions, attend local events, or try a few home-style recipes. In Latvia, the saying “coziness saves” really works — it’s not just a space, it’s a feeling you can create for yourself.

As October’s colors fade into November’s greyness, we slowly settle into the rhythm of winter. But this process isn’t gloomy — it’s a gentle transition, where both nature and people learn to breathe more slowly. Hidden within that stillness lies the charm of Latvia: the peace you can find in darkness. And once you learn to accept it — not only as a season, but as a state of being — you’ll understand why Latvians actually love autumn and winter. Every candle’s glow, every smile, every sentence spoken in Latvian becomes more meaningful, carrying warmth with it.

A local tip: don’t be surprised if people grow quieter — that’s simply the way of autumn here. But behind that quietness lies a deep warmth, one you can feel when you light a candle, learn to say “labvakar” (“good evening”), and allow yourself to experience Latvia the way locals do — slowly, peacefully, and sincerely.

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%).