Vērmanītis is Latvian cuisine restaurant located in the very center on the crossroads of Elizabetes and Terbatas. It is used be cheap as any other Lido Restaurant, but nowadays Vermanitis has prices like any place in city center.
Night Marathon is one of the most remarkable events during Riga Festival, which is taking place this weekend. The distance is only 5km (3.1 miles) and the track route was made through many sights in Riga, which were illuminated and blazing at night. The photo was taken by F64 Agency few seconds before marathon start.
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.
Cafe Старая Рига (Staraya Riga means Old Riga) is another sign of Riga's spirit outside Latvia. It is located in Moscow, in a quite prestigious Basmanny District.
Black Magic place has nothing to do with the powers of darkness, or maybe it has :) It is a cafe shop, which is offering Melnais balzams (Black Balsam), the traditional Latvian alcoholic drink. 80-proof balsam made with herbs and spices and often being served mixed with coffee.
First time ever Riga city hall have thought about people who are going to celebrate Ligo in Riga. Several stages, stalls, fires were built on 11. Novembra krastmala, although not so many people came as was initially expected.
Albert is the name of the bronze monument devoted to Chimney sweepers. The monument was opened less than one month ago on 22 Skolas iela. In Latvia it is considered lucky to see Chimney sweep, so now you know where you can always find one ;)
The best souvenirs from Latvia are amber stuff, flax clothes, black balsam and of course fridge magnets :) What else would you recommend to buy in Latvia?
Baudiet Nesteidzoties (Enjoy sipping) is the name of another Apsara Tea House, located in old town. Tea drinking is extremely popular in Riga, but the drinkers' preference is changing constantly. Nowadays the person who drinks black tea with white sugar (as everybody did several years before) is a rarity.
Fridge magnet is a popular souvenir from any destination of the world, including Riga, Latvia I collect fridge magnets as well, just because they are good elements to create the unique vision of the world or kind of geographical atlas in the most visible place at home. So, if are coming to Riga, I kindly ask you to bring some nice magnet for me. In exchange for magnet, I can show you Riga around in the most interesting way. I mean a city tour in real, not just photos :)
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.
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.
Traditional Lāpu gājiens (Torchlight Procession) took place yesterday late evening in Riga and was devoted to the 91st anniversary of independence of Latvia. Usually it begins next to Karlis Ulmanis, then heads to Occupation museum and ends at Freedom monument. Hundreds of patriots carrying a torch are led by Latvian nationalists' party.
Today on 11th of November is Lāčplēša diena. Many people on this day come to Castle walls to put a candle in order to honour heroes of war for Liberation of Latvia from German army in 1919.
P.S. Unfortunately I haven't such a good camera, so the picture was taken from some news website :)
Old town in Riga is very popular place for stag and hen parties. During hen night girls are making some performance in public places to collect trousseau or just for fun. This blond girl is allowing to touch her for a little amount of money :)
Last night was one of the most significant holidays in Latvia - Līgo. The tradition is to make as big as possible fire and then go into forest to look for fern flower ;)
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