There are 12 public holidays in Latvia in 2023, five of which fall on weekends.
New Year's Day
New Year Holiday, celebrated on January 1, 2023, is the first day of the year on the modern Gregorian calendar, and it is one of the most popular holidays in the world. The holiday lasts two days.
Good Friday
Good Friday is a Christian holiday celebrating the crucifixion of Jesus and his death at Calvary. It is observed on Friday immediately preceding Easter Sunday, April 7, 2023.
Easter Monday
Easter Monday is to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus, and it is the Monday after Easter Sunday. It is observed on April 10, 2023.
Labour Day
Labour Day is observed on May 1, 2023, and it celebrates the achievements of workers. The holiday originates in the eight-hour day movement, which is eight hours for work, eight hours for recreation, and eight hours for rest.
Day of the Restoration of Latvian Independence
Day of the Restoration of Latvian Independence, observed on May 4, 2023, commemorates the anniversary when Latvia regained independence from the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR). On May 4, 1990, the Latvian Republic officially declared independence. However, full independence was achieved half a year after December 25, 1991.
Midsummer Day
Midsummer Day is a holiday celebrating the summer solstice. The holiday in Latvia lasts two days, June 23 and 24, 2023. Midsummer Day celebrations can date back to pre-Christianity, and the holiday was renamed after the arrival of Christianity. People often travel to the countryside during the holiday and enjoy joyful activities. Wreath-making and bonfires are popular traditions.
St. John's Day
St. John's Day, also known as Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day in English, is a religious feast day in several countries. John the Baptist is one of the well-known figures in the Bible, and he was born of aged parents, Zachariah and Elizabeth, through the intercession of God. It falls on June 24, 2023.
Republic of Latvia Proclamation Day
Latvia, observed on November 18, 2023, has been under different rules for centuries. The Republic of Latvia Proclamation Day marks the anniversary of the Proclamation of Independence from German and Russian occupation in 1918.
Christmas Day
Christmas Day is celebrated on December 25, 2023, and commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Christmas Day is a holiday of sharing. People exchange Christmas gifts and cards with families and friends. The holiday lasts three days.
The following is the list of public holidays in Latvia 2023.
Holiday | Date | Weekday | Note |
---|---|---|---|
New Year's Day | Jan 01, 2023 | Sunday | Public Holiday |
Good Friday | Apr 07, 2023 | Friday | Public Holiday |
Easter Monday | Apr 10, 2023 | Monday | Public Holiday |
Labour Day | May 01, 2023 | Monday | Public Holiday |
Day of the Restoration of Latvian Independence | May 04, 2023 | Thursday | Public Holiday |
Midsummer Eve | Jun 23, 2023 | Friday | Public Holiday |
Midsummer Day St. John's Day | Jun 24, 2023 | Saturday | Public Holiday |
Republic of Latvia Proclamation Day | Nov 18, 2023 | Saturday | Public Holiday |
Christmas Eve | Dec 24, 2023 | Sunday | Public Holiday |
Christmas Day | Dec 25, 2023 | Monday | Public Holiday |
Second Day of Christmas | Dec 26, 2023 | Tuesday | Public Holiday |
New Year's Eve | Dec 31, 2023 | Sunday | Public Holiday |
Please also check the working days in Latvia in 2023.