Do you remember summer photo titled 152 Days? It was counting days left to the first Advent Sunday. This counter was also promoting celelbration of the First Christmas Tree. It was believed that Riga had hosted the very first Christmas Tree 500 years ago next to Blackheads house. In fact recently, some more old sources revealed that the First Christmas tree was erected in Tallinn. Sad.
Somebody may think that Latvians are obsessed with Christmas, because we are already counting the days left till the New Year. The big reason to expect Christmas and New Year eve is the celebration of 500 years since First Christmas tree was placed in Riga. 152 days are left till the fifth centenary of Christmas tree, which is already installed in Old Town. See photo of counter in winter.
Christmas Market next to Dome Cathedral. Every year hand-knitted socks, lather wallets, soap, cookies and other stuff is being sold here as Christmas gifts.
Latvijas Leļļu teātris (Latvian Puppet Theater) was opened in postwar Riga in the building of former cinema Radio Modern. All shows are always performed in both languages Latvian and Russian which reflects one of theater's mission. The red banner runs as follows Christmas shows in Puppet theater, so don't forget to bring your child here ;)
Piparkūkas (German: Pfefferkuchen) is a variation of gingerbread, which very popular in Latvia and especially during Christmas period. Some people find that the taste of pepper sweets is strange, but I personally like piparkukas and its taste always reminds me about Christmas time. Picture is taken at one of Christmas markets by guest photographer is A. Garbuzar.
Blackheads' House together with St. Peters church is one of notable views of Riga Actually I have took this photo in year 2007, but I don't want to leave this picture unpublished at all. I promise that it is the last picture of Christmas this year :)
Where was placed the first decorated Christmas Tree? :) This is a very controversial point, but the first documented reference appeared in Riga in 1510. To memorize this occasion in front of Blackheads' House 3 years ago was placed a plaque with writings in 8 languages. Nowadays every year, just few meters from this monument, new Christmas tree is placed. Again, Merry Christmas :D UPDATED: Revealed that Christmas tree is older than 500 years.
Priecīgus Ziemassvētkus (Merry Christmas) to everybody. Most of Russian-speaking people in Riga celebrate Christmas on 7th of January :) Because of difference in calendars. Century ago the 7th January was the same day as 25th of December in Western world. On photo is depicted one of numerous Christmas tree in Riga. Simple and nice :)
Believe you or not, but the world biggest Christmas tree record belongs to Riga already several years in a row :) Actually it isn't one piece tree. It is partly artificial, made from a lot of fir branches. But anyway it looks very beautiful and exciting. It's located in Lido amusement park in Kengarags, Riga. Welcome :) See also the same Christmas tree next year.
4 sundays till Christmas are left, hence all flowers shops start to sell wreaths with 4 candles :) On photograph is decpited a flower-shop working 24/7 on the busiest street of Vecriga. Sometimes passing it in the night, I just wondering how those grannies can stand on street whole night, even during cold times, like -25 C (-13 F)
People in Riga do not celebrate Christmas as in many other countries people do. Streets and public places are often stay without any decoration. Only big stores and supermarkets are decorated. For example, this picture was taken in Stockmann Supermarket (where photographing, actually, is forbidden :))
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