• Norway!

    Norway: Sunnylvsfjord. Go Now!

    Norway
    Known for its natural beauty, Norway is home to isolated villages, fjords, and mountains that create a culture and landscape without compare. Begin Your Journey!

  • Vatican City!

    Vatican City: Vatican Museums. Go Now!

    Vatican City
    The smallest country in the world offers the heart of Catholicism and among the world's finest art collections, including the Sistine Chapel and the Raphael Rooms (ceiling pictured). Go to Vatican City!

  • Macedonia!

    Macedonia: Traditional architecture. Go Now!

    Macedonia
    Macedonia is a country still finding its unique identity, but its architecture is already one of a kind. Explore Macedonia!

  • Austria!

    Austria: Belvedere Palace. Go Now!

    Austria
    Belvedere Palace (pictured) is just one of many palaces found in Vienna. The capital is a good start to Austria, which also features the Alps, the Lakes District, and incredible history & food. Go Now!

  • Spain!

    Spain: Guell Park and Gaudi architecture. Go Now!

    Spain
    Fusion foods, lively music, historic ruins, and cultural events like the Running of the Bulls and La Tomatina make Spain and Barcelona (pictured) a favorite tourist destination. Explore Spain!

  • Ukraine!

    Ukraine: Traditional Village. Go Now!

    Ukraine
    Ukrainian culture is based on village life, particularly that found in the Carpathian Mountains (pictured). Begin Your Journey!

Social Life in Latvia

Behavior

The Latvians are very well aware of the world around them as well as the differences in opinions and behaviors. Because of this they are quite understanding of various cultures and foreigners so odd behaviors are generally accepted (but not encouraged).

Your behavior should begin with modesty as being loud, rude, showing off wealth, or dressing provocatively will get you stares. Likewise, placing yourself above others or boasting is viewed negatively.

As a visitor to Latvia, just try to follow the lead of the locals by dressing in like manner (see below for details), dining in the local etiquette (see our Latvia Dining & Food Page), and avoid sensitive conversation topics, such as politics, finances, and business unless initiated by your local counterpart.

Dress

The traditional dress is Latvia has continuously changed over time, but some of the most recent and popular outfits prior to modern clothing are basic in style. For women, the main part of the clothing was a long shirt, similar to a dress, but skirts and blouses were often worn over it. Tall socks were also common as were jackets during the colder months; women also always wore something in their hair, either a simple crown, usually made from flowers, for unmarried girls or a handkerchief for married women. For men the traditional dress was a bit more basic as shirts and pants were the only traditional clothes and often times they were rather simple in design; again heavy coats and boots were common in the winters.

Today this traditional dress has all but vanished in Latvia as modern western-styled clothing is now the norm. Due to seasonal changes the dress varies drastically from season to season and style differs from person to person. As a visitor to the country you are free to wear any western-styled clothes, but remember to dress for the season and the occasion as churches require long pants as do other more formal circumstances. Lastly, sunbathing naked or women sunbathing topless is only permitted in certain places so always be sure to know where this is allowed before doing so.

This page was last updated: November, 2013