LATVIA, Rezekne

Latvia is a small but very unique country that is located in Northern Europe, at the East shore of Baltic sea. Latvia is one of Baltic States. Latvia is very unique in many ways: it is a country with small area and low density of population, rich culture and various, virgin nature, clean air because forests cover the biggest part of this land, lakes and river valleys, different nature parks and ancient buildings-churches, castles, hotels and resorts, big malls. Latvia is described as calm life style in comparison with other countries and cities. There are unobtrusive and hospitable inhabitants and safe environment.

 

CULTURE

Latvia's history is important to understanding the culture and cultural issues in Latvia today. The country is a young one; it has experienced eight centuries of occupation with only short periods of independence. Because of this, Latvian culture contains elements of German, Polish, Swedish and Russian cultures.

World War II was a time of great upheaval for the country; it was occupied by Nazi Germany for the majority of the war, during which time one third of Latvians died and around 85,000 Lativan Jews and Gypsies died in Nazi concentration camps. This time radically changed the cultural makeup of the country.

Also important to the cultural landscape of the country is its history of Soviet control post WWII. During these forty-five years, the country was subject to large fluxes of immigration from other Soviet nations, as well as the emigration, death and exile of ethnic Latvians. Today, the country is a mix of traditions from different ethnic backgrounds, and ethnic Latvians make up about 60% of the population, with the most sizable ethnic minorities being Germans, Russians, Polish, and Jewish.

LATVIAN CUISINE

Latvia is a real paradise for gourmands - here you can enjoy a traditional meal as well as modern cuisine. Meat, fish, potatoes, cabbage, onions, eggs and dairy products are the most popular components of main dish meals. Latvian cuisine typically consists of agricultural products, with meat featuring in most main meal dishes. Fish is commonly consumed due to Latvia's location on the east coast of the Baltic Sea.

RELIGION

The country has been primarily Christian since the arrival of German missionaries in the 12th century. During the Soviet era, practicing of religion was discouraged, but since independence religious institutions have flourished. The largest religious groups in the country are Lutheran, Catholic and Orthodox Christian. However, other religious traditions are on the rise.

 About Rezekne - http://www.latvia.travel/en/city/rezekne-8