New Year's Eve

New Year's Eve in Latvia, known as "Vecgada vakars," is a festive and joyous occasion celebrated on December 31st, marking the end of the year and the beginning of a new one. It is a time for family gatherings, festive meals, and lively celebrations. Traditional Latvian dishes, such as grey peas with bacon, pork roast, and gingerbread cookies, are often enjoyed during the evening. Many Latvians also participate in customs like making predictions for the upcoming year, writing down wishes, and burning them at midnight to symbolize letting go of the past and embracing the future. As midnight approaches, people gather to watch fireworks, toast with champagne, and exchange good wishes for the New Year. Public celebrations, concerts, and parties are common in cities like Riga, where the atmosphere is vibrant and filled with music, dancing, and cheer. New Year's Eve in Latvia is a time of reflection, hope, and celebration, bringing people together to welcome the possibilities of the year ahead.