Ligo, Latvia's Spectacular Midsummer Celebration

Ligo is an enchanting time in Latvia, where the traditions of the past intertwine with the present. It is immensely popular and widely celebrated making it more significant than any other holiday or event on the cultural calendar.

Ligo is a festival that brings together large numbers of people from all walks of life.

It is celebrated throughout the entire country of Latvia. From small rural villages to the busy cities, people come together to commemorate the summer solstice. The festivities take place outdoors in parks and forests where people lit bonfires and gather to celebrate.

Ligo is a festival deeply rooted in the country's traditions and folklore. The celebration reflects the connection with nature, as well as their cultural heritage.

The atmosphere during Ligo is vibrant, joyous, and filled with energy. People come together to enjoy music, dance, and traditional folk songs. The festive mood is heightened by the lighting of bonfires and the sight of people wearing colorful traditional attire and wild flower wreaths.

Ligo is more than just a one-day celebration; it is a multi-day event. The festivities kick off in the evening of June 23rd and carry on until the early hours of June 24th. In fact, the build-up to Ligo begins several days prior, with various events and activities that help prepare you for the grand celebration.

Another important aspect of the celebration is the traditional food. People enjoy delicious Latvian dishes like cheese made with caraway seeds, barbequed pork, and a special type of bread filled with meat called "Piragi". They also drink homemade beer and traditional herbal teas.

Overall, Ligo is a time for families and friends to come together, have fun, and celebrate the beauty of nature. It's a festive occasion filled with music, dancing, delicious food and a strong sense of community. 

The Church's Collaboration with Red Cross to Alleviate Struggles

Over the past several months, our church has been actively involved in a compassionate endeavor to assist Ukraine refugees who have been forced to flee their homes due to the ongoing conflict.

Recognizing the urgency of the situation, our church's charity stepped up and generously donated significant funds to support a Tallinn charity shop. This shop plays a crucial role in providing gently used clothing and other useful items to refugees in need.

Working in collaboration with the Estonia Red Cross, a plan was made to channel the donations through the charity shop. Donors contribute their gently used items, which are then sorted and made available to the refugees in the form of redeemable vouchers. These vouchers, funded by the Church, can be used to obtain clothing, baby items, and essential kitchen supplies, catering to the evolving needs of the refugees as they move into temporary housing.

The experience of being part of this compassionate initiative has reinforced the notion that collective efforts, no matter how small, can have a tremendous impact on the lives of those in need. This project stands as a testament to the strength of human kindness and the profound difference it can make in transforming the lives of others.

Our goal is to ensure that everyone, regardless of their circumstances, has access to the resources and support they require. By coming together, we can create a brighter future, transforming lives and inspiring hope amidst adversity.

Navigating Riga With Ease: The Power of Google Maps

When it comes to exploring the city of Riga, Latvia, Google Maps proves to be an invaluable tool, offering a seamless navigation experience like no other. One of the standout features of Google Maps is its ability to guide you through transfers, ensuring a smooth journey from start to finish. Whether you're hopping from one bus to another or transitioning between different modes of transportation, Google Maps shows you the transfer points along the way. No more confusion or second-guessing which bus or tram to catch next. It even goes the extra mile by providing walking directions to the nearest bus stop or interchange, ensuring that you don't miss a beat along the route.

With Google Maps, you'll always have updates in real-time at your fingertips, displaying your precise location in relation to your desired destination. This feature is incredibly handy, especially while riding public transportation routes. As you ride along, you can easily glance at the map to confirm that you're on the right bus, giving you peace of mind and the confidence to sit back and look like a local resident without hesitation.

In addition to its exceptional navigation capabilities, Google Maps also keep you informed about time tables and estimated time of arrival. With access to comprehensive public transportation schedules, you can plan your journey in advance, ensuring you arrive at your destination punctually.

Whether you're a local resident or a curious traveler, Google Maps becomes your trusted companion, ensuring that you navigate the streets effortlessly and make the most of your time in this charming city.

Embrace the digital guide that is Google Maps and embark on a journey through Riga's captivating neighborhoods, iconic landmarks, and hidden gems with ease and confidence.

Hello Spring Craft Fair

Today, we visited one of the oldest and largest open air museums in Europe. The Ethnographic Open Air Museum is located north just outside the city limits of Riga on Lake Jugla.

The Applied Arts Fair showcases quality handiwork rooted in tradition with a focus on craftsmen using traditional methods.  

In it's 51 year with record number of attendees. More than 530 artisans, home producers of food, and skilled craftsmen offer their handmade goods.

These women dressed in traditional Latvian folklore sell fresh bakery delights including traditional sklandrausis, a small carrot and potato tart made with dark rye bread. 

The epitome of Latvian weaving is the Lielvarde belt. The patterns are extremely sophisticated and intricately handwoven in Latvian traditions. An must-have piece to every folk costume worn during celebrations and festivals.

Also around the museum are live demonstrations, this man shows his basket weaving skills. He effortlessly makes working with wicker look easy. I loved his hat just another expression of creative ingenuity.  

Latvians have long been carving wood found in their forests into everything useful from kitchen utensils to furniture.   

Food vendors cooked a lot of traditional food over an open flame. Based on peasant culture and seasonal offerings, my lunch plate was sausage, sauerkraut and whole potatoes.  

The Spring Craft Fair was uniquely different than any other event we've attended. A little bit of modern, but mostly the best traditional Latvia has to offer.