Greetings! We recently returned from a trip to Latvia (laat-vee-uh; country #99), where we were able to experience Riga (ree-guh) and surrounding areas. Below, you will find information and photos from our trip. Please note that, while there may be references to countries engaging in ongoing conflicts or wars, these references should not be interpreted as an endorsement of or negative opinion/judgement about what is happening to or with those countries, places, conflicts, or wars.
Latvia is a Baltic State, lying on the Baltic Sea in Northern Europe. Riga’s position on the Baltic Sea allowed it to be a merchant city, which it continues to be today.
Founded in 1201 by a German Bishop, Latvia was inhabited by indigenous people within the Baltic tribes. The Germans (who were Christians) came during the German Crusades and saw the indigenous as pagans, and in the 16th century, Martin Luther’s Reformation brought Protestantism to Riga. For three centuries, this area was referred to as Livonia (which combined Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia), and Protestantism was the primary religion. When the New Gregorian calendar was introduced, the Latvians were upset, as it conflicted with the calendar that they had always followed, including the date for Christmas. The Latvians felt this was a “Catholic scam,” and they started a rebellion. Sweden subsequently took over for 9 years before the Russians attacked and ruled for 200 years, with Riga as the third biggest city in the Russian empire.
The Germans were upper class; the Latvians (called “peasants”) had to work the land and were often treated poorly. However, in Riga, the Latvians were allowed to be free. Prior to World War II (WWII), Serfdom was abolished and people moved to Riga. The Bolshevik Revolution in 1918 resulted in an Independent Republic of Latvia, and they called themselves “barefoot, but free,” as they did not have much wealth. They grew their wealth, but by August of 1939, the Soviets and Nazis divided Livonia between them, and Latvia was part of the Nazi occupation. Some of the residents thought this might be good for them, as they hoped to get back some of their independence. However, the Nazis started losing within WWII, and the Soviets worked to entice the Latvians to fight for them.
In 1940, the Soviet Union occupied Latvia. People who wanted to establish and/or be part of a different party were arrested, and in June of 1941, those who were considered to be a “threat to the system” were sent to labor camps in Siberia. The Nazis attacked Riga and started to burn it down, and then in 1944, the Soviets returned and liberated the Latvians from the Nazis. Latvia was ruled by the Soviet Union for decades, during which many inhabitants died due to health issues. In 1949, 60,000 peasants and wealthy farmers were sent to labor camps. We were told that this is a reason why Latvia supports Ukraine – they “know what it is like to be owned by Russia, and know how Russia treats other countries, and what happens when they are not stopped.”
In 1989, two million individuals from the capital cities of the three Baltic nations joined hands to create a human chain across the three countries in a quest for independence. Latvia subsequently established their independence in 1990, though Russia attempted to regain power, resulting in Latvians creating barricades to keep them out. Eventually, Latvia was able to secure their independence in 1991, and in 2004, they joined the European Union (EU) and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).
(was struck by lightning six times)
Today, the Latvian Parliament consists of 100 deputies, who are elected every four years, and is led by a Prime Minister. They also have a president, who is a figurehead, and the current president (2024) is the first openly gay president in the world.
Latvia and Lithuania are the only remaining Baltic languages. They are similar but not exact. Latvian language has words that are more similar with Sanskrit and German. While the Estonian language is more like the language of Finland, there are a lot of cultural connections between Latvia and Estonia.
Latvia has historically been a multicultural city, and its storied history continues to be reflected throughout the city of Riga. Latvia’s unique connection to its Baltic neighbors makes it a location that is easy to get to and navigate. Until next time, take care and be well…