Latvia is the small country which packs a lot from a photogenic castles, music festivals, scenic river valleys and its vibrant coastal capital. Latvians are descended from tribes such as the Letts or Latgals, Selonians, Semigallians and Cours. Latvian is one of only two surviving languages of the Baltic branch of the Indo-European language family and speakers of Latvian regard it as an endangered species. Just over half the people in the country speak it as their first language. The country achieved its independence in 21 August 1991 from Soviet Union.

The major event held in the country is the national song festival. It is held every five years with a giant choir singing in a huge open-air amphitheatre in the national capital. The other events include big midsummer celebrations. In this festival, special beer, cheeses and pies are prepared, flowers and herbs are hung around the home to bring good luck and keep families safe from evil spirits. Gadatirgus in June is a big arts and crafts fair held in the capital city. The Baltika Annual International Folklore Festival is a weeklong affair of music, dance, exhibitions and parades usually held in mid-July. Other music festivals include the International Festival of Organ Music in June, the Opera Music Festival in July, the Festival of Ancient Music, at Bauska Castle in July and a rock festival in mid-August.

The attractions of the country are Riga, Bauska, Kuldiga and Sigulda. Riga, the capital city of the country have plenty of big-city bustle. One can discover the ancient German buildings throughout the city and take in the spectacular aerial view from the St Peter’s Church. Bauska is famous for its castle built between 1443 and 1456. The castle was destroyed in battle several times but was always rebuilt. The castle museum now displays various objects found during the restoration work. Kuldiga is the most picturesque and historic town in Latvia. The remains of the ancient fortress prove that the town was an important settlement of the Cours. There’s a 17th-century town hall, an 18th-century granary, Roman Catholic, Russian Orthodox and Lutheran churches and a water mill built in 1807. Sigulda is locally known as ‘Switzerland of Latvia’. It has a string of medieval castles and legendary caves scattered throughout the Gauja valley. Sigulda, the main gateway to Gauja National Park, is a minor health resort and a winter sports center. Little remains of old Sigulda Castle, former residence

of the Knights of the Sword, is now a sanatorium. The most popular Latvian cuisine is smoked

food, mainly fish. The others are dairy products, eggs, potatoes and grains. Soups and sausage are also popular. In summer and autumn, fresh berry pies and tarts are abundant. Latvia’s leading beer is Aldaris.