Teen Health: Riga Children’s Hospital treated 15 young people after alcohol or drug use during autumn break—double last year’s number. The youngest was 12. Heritage & Culture: Restored cellars and tunnels at Bebrene Manor are opening as cultural and educational spaces. At Riga IFF, Nipster won the feature-film prize and Tīna Zariņa’s Yolo took the Latvian short-film award. Living Together: A Latvian survey found Latvian- and Russian-speaking residents less divided in their views than they assume, with social media and political rhetoric widening perceptions of a split. Nature: A Kurzeme campaign is helping communities protect old trees and the rare species they shelter. Food: Latvia’s MICHELIN restaurant selections will be announced on November 5.
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Teen Health: Rīga Children’s Hospital says admissions of teenagers after alcohol or drug use doubled this autumn compared with last year. Fifteen young people were treated over the school holiday week; the youngest was 12. Delivery Work: Around 8,000 food couriers are registered in Latvia’s cities, with about half coming from abroad. A Latvian TV investigation looked at their working conditions, earnings and taxes. Living Heritage: Bebrene Manor’s restored cellars and tunnels are reopening as cultural and educational spaces for locals and visitors. Nature: A Kurzeme project is teaching residents and local officials to spot protected species living in old trees and historic parkland. Citizenship Dispute: Indian scientist Divya Kannan Vishwanath, whose Latvian citizenship was granted and then withdrawn by parliament, has asked police to investigate alleged threats, harassment and racist comments. Social Cohesion: A Latvian survey suggests Latvian- and Russian-speaking residents’ differences are smaller than many assume, while perceptions of division are amplified by social media and political debate. Film: RIGA IFF named Swedish film Nipster its feature-film winner; Latvian director Tīna Zariņa won the national short-film competition with Yolo. Food: Latvia’s latest MICHELIN Guide restaurant selection will be announced in Riga on 5 November.
Emerging Filmmakers: Tallinn Black Nights’ PÖFF Shorts industry programme will offer masterclasses and networking, with Latvian filmmaker Zane Oborenko among the speakers. Latvian Society: A survey suggests Latvian- and Russian-speaking residents’ differences are smaller than commonly perceived, with social media and political rhetoric widening the sense of division. Film: RIGA IFF named Swedish film Nipster its feature winner, while Tīna Zariņa’s Yolo won the national short-film competition. Food: Latvia’s latest MICHELIN Guide selections will be announced in Riga on November 5, spotlighting the country’s restaurants and culinary scene. Arts: Graphic artist Ruta Kreica, known for her book illustrations and ties to Riga’s creative community, has died aged 80. Child Protection: A Sigulda Sports School coach was dismissed after sending sexually suggestive messages to a minor; the Child Protection Centre says the case should be investigated by police.
Film: RIGA IFF named Swedish drama Nipster its feature-film winner, while Latvian director Tīna Zariņa’s Yolo took the national short-film award at the festival, which closed on 24 October. Literature: A new international poetry initiative is bringing together 10 festivals from Europe, Africa and Asia, including Latvia’s Page Break International Poetry Festival. Society: A survey of nearly 600 residents suggests Latvian- and Russian-speaking people’s differences are smaller than many assume, with social media and political statements fuelling perceptions of division. Child safety: A Sigulda Sports School coach was dismissed after sending sexually suggestive messages to a minor; child-protection officials say the case should be investigated by police. Arts: Graphic artist Ruta Kreica, known for her book illustrations and involvement in Riga’s creative scene, has died aged 80. Food: Latvia’s latest MICHELIN Guide restaurant selection will be announced in Riga on 5 November. Travel: Latvia remains a popular Baltic stop for visitors drawn to Riga’s history and architecture, while Lux Express has extended its Riga–Lithuanian coast bus route through 3 January.
Latvian Dining: The country’s latest MICHELIN Guide selections will be revealed at a Riga ceremony on 5 November, spotlighting restaurants and the chefs promoting Latvian flavours to visitors. Arts & Culture: Graphic artist Ruta Kreica, known for her ties to Riga’s creative scene and book illustration, has died aged 80. Baltic Assembly prizes for literature, arts and science were also presented, celebrating creative work across the region. What to See: Riga International Film Festival screenings and an exhibition of writer and artist Anšlavs Eglītis’s paintings and notebooks in Sigulda offer weekend culture picks. Getting Around: Lux Express has extended its Riga–Liepāja–Palanga–Klaipėda service through 3 January as demand holds up; continued links could help visitors reach Liepāja ahead of its 2027 European Capital of Culture year. Nature: A tiny lichen-dwelling fungus never before recorded in Latvia has been found on a rock in Ventspils municipality.
Latvian Dining: The MICHELIN Guide’s latest Latvian restaurant selection will be unveiled in Riga on 5 November, spotlighting chefs and local flavours for international visitors. Culture & Travel: Lux Express is extending its Riga–Liepāja–Palanga–Klaipėda route through 3 January after strong demand, keeping a useful link to Liepāja ahead of its 2027 European Capital of Culture year. Weekend Picks: Riga International Film Festival screenings and an Anšlavs Eglītis exhibition in Sigulda offer culture fans reasons to get out. Culture Funding: Culture Minister Nauris Puntulis says museums may be consolidated and parents could face higher contributions for cultural education as the sector reviews costs. Arts: Baltic Assembly prizes have honoured achievements in literature, arts, science and innovation. Latvia is also mourning graphic artist Ruta Kreica, who died aged 80.
Latvian Dining: The country’s latest MICHELIN Guide restaurant selection will be announced at a Riga ceremony on 5 November, celebrating local chefs and cuisine. Culture and Education: Culture Minister Nauris Puntulis says museums may be consolidated and parents could face higher contributions for cultural education as the sector reviews its spending. Travel: Strong demand has extended Lux Express’s Riga–Liepāja–Palanga–Klaipėda service through 3 January, offering cross-border trips over the holidays. Weekend Ideas: Riga’s film festival, an exhibition on writer Anšlavs Eglītis in Sigulda and dining in Liepāja are among this weekend’s picks. Arts: Graphic artist Ruta Kreica, known for her book illustrations and involvement in Riga’s creative scene, has died aged 80. Nature: A tiny fungus living on lichens has been recorded in Latvia for the first time, after its discovery on a rock in Ventspils municipality.
Weekend Culture: Riga International Film Festival screenings, an Anšlavs Eglītis exhibition in Sigulda and a food stop in Liepāja are among this weekend’s picks. Getting Around: Lux Express has extended its Rīga–Liepāja–Palanga–Klaipėda service through 3 January, with demand staying strong into autumn. Baltic Arts: The Baltic Assembly has presented its prizes for literature, arts, science and innovation, celebrating work that brings the three Baltic nations closer. Culture Funding: Latvia’s culture minister is considering museum mergers and higher parental contributions to cultural education as the sector faces possible cuts. Women in Business: During Sweden’s Crown Princess Victoria’s visit, Latvian women entrepreneurs met Swedish investors to discuss funding and growth opportunities. Remembering Ruta Kreica: The Latvian graphic artist, known for her book illustrations and ties to Riga’s creative scene, has died aged 80. Nature Find: A fungus living on lichens has been recorded in Latvia for the first time, after its discovery on a rock in Ventspils municipality.
Women in Business: During Swedish Crown Princess Victoria’s visit, Latvia’s investment agency brought women entrepreneurs together with Swedish investors to discuss financing, growth and cross-border partnerships. Arts & Memory: Latvian graphic artist Ruta Kreica has died aged 80. She was known for her book illustrations and links to Riga’s theatre and creative scenes. Weekend Picks: Riga International Film Festival screenings, an exhibition on writer Anšlavs Eglītis in Sigulda and Liepāja dining are among this weekend’s options. Culture Funding: Culture Minister Nauris Puntulis says reforms could bring museum consolidations and higher parental contributions to cultural education, while maintaining Latvia’s nationwide cultural network. Baltic Arts: The Baltic Assembly has presented its prizes for literature, arts, science and innovation, celebrating achievements that strengthen regional ties. Nature Notes: A lichen-loving fungus never before recorded in Latvia has been found on a rock in Ventspils municipality.
Baltic Culture: The Baltic Assembly presented its annual prizes for literature, arts, science and innovation on Thursday, celebrating work that brings Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania closer. Weekend Picks: Latvia’s cultural calendar includes the Riga International Film Festival, an exhibition of writer Anšlavs Eglītis’ paintings and notebooks in Sigulda, and food outings in Liepāja. Nature: A tiny fungus living on lichens has been recorded in Latvia for the first time, after it was spotted on a rock in Ventspils municipality. Getting Around: Strong demand has extended Lux Express’s Riga–Liepāja–Palanga–Klaipėda service to 3 January, keeping a cross-border link open through the holidays. The route could be especially useful as Liepāja prepares to become a European Capital of Culture in 2027. Cultural Education: Culture Minister Nauris Puntulis says Latvia may consolidate some museums and raise parents’ contributions to cultural education as the sector faces budget reforms.
Culture Funding: Latvia’s Culture Minister Nauris Puntulis says cultural institutions may face cuts, including possible museum mergers, and parents could be asked to contribute more to cultural education. School Curriculum: The Education Ministry says a planned family-values and health-literacy module is still being developed and will not rely on religious or ideological programmes, following criticism of the proposal. Travel & Heritage: Latvian travel show Četri uz koferiem featured Armenia, with Dilijan among its stops, highlighting the country’s landscapes, history, cuisine and hospitality. Local Life: Latvia’s home café days drew more than 84,000 visitors this summer, celebrating food and hospitality across the country. Music: Singer Margarita Levchuk is returning to the stage after a break, with performances planned in Riga and other European cities.
Citizenship: Latvia’s parliament has overturned its decision to grant citizenship to Indian scientist Divya Kannan Vishwanath, just a week after approving it, citing doubts about the information provided. Culture Funding: Culture Minister Nauris Puntulis says reforms could mean museum mergers and higher parental contributions to cultural education, though he stressed that decisions must be guided by results. Schools: The Education Ministry says plans to teach family values and health literacy are still being developed, and denies using religious or ideological programmes. On Stage: Singer Margarita Levchuk is returning to performances after a break, with a Christmas concert in Riga scheduled for December 27.
Schools & Family Values: Latvia’s Education Ministry says a planned family-values and health-literacy course will not use religious or ideological programmes. The curriculum has yet to be developed, amid criticism over how it will be shaped. Latvian Brands: Riga tea maker Apsara has launched an online shop offering its full range, with free parcel-locker delivery across Latvia. Riga Hospitality: Grand Hotel Kempinski Riga won Latvia’s Leading Hotel and Leading Hotel Suite titles at the World Travel Awards. Community Traditions: More than 1,000 Latvian homes and businesses have joined an online map to help children find Halloween treats on October 31. City Heritage: Riga City Council has approved plans to renovate the Central Market, with a budget of more than €22 million. Food & Travel: Latvia’s Home Café Days drew more than 84,000 visitors across the country this summer.
Schools & Family: Latvia’s Education Ministry says the planned family-values and health-literacy curriculum will not use the Teen Star programme or religious and ideological approaches. The module is still being developed, amid criticism over possible conservative influence. On Stage: Singer Margarita Levchuk is returning after a break following the birth of her son. Her upcoming dates include a Christmas concert in Riga on Dec. 27 with male choir Unia. Halloween: More than 1,000 Latvian homes and businesses have added themselves to a new trick-or-treat map for Oct. 31. Latvian Music: Sinfonietta Rīga marked composer Jānis Ivanovs’ 120th anniversary with a memorial concert in Preiļi, featuring his 14th Symphony and Piano Concerto. Local Flavours: Latvia’s home café days drew more than 84,000 visitors this summer.
Music: After a break following the birth of her son, singer Margarita Levchuk is returning to the stage, with a Christmas concert in Riga on December 27 alongside the Unia male choir. Halloween: More than 1,000 Latvian homes and businesses have joined a new trick-or-treat map, helping families plan their October 31 routes. Riga stays: Grand Hotel Kempinski Riga has won Latvia’s Leading Hotel and Leading Hotel Suite titles at the World Travel Awards, ahead of the festive season. Local flavours: Latvian tea brand Apsara has expanded its online shop to offer its full range, with free parcel-locker delivery across the country. Classical music: A concert in Preiļi marked composer Jānis Ivanovs’s 120th anniversary, with Sinfonietta Rīga performing works by Ivanovs and Juris Karlsons. At home: Latvia’s summer home-café days drew more than 84,000 visitors, offering a popular way to discover local food and communities.
Riga Hospitality: Grand Hotel Kempinski Riga has won Latvia’s Leading Hotel and Leading Hotel Suite at the World Travel Awards, adding to a strong year for the Old Town property. Halloween Plans: A Latvian trick-or-treat map has more than 1,000 homes and businesses listed as welcoming children on October 31. Local Flavours: Riga-based tea maker Apsara has expanded its online shop, offering its full range with free parcel-locker delivery across Latvia. Music and Culture: Sinfonietta Rīga marked composer Jānis Ivanovs’ 120th anniversary with a tribute concert in Preiļi, featuring his 14th Symphony and Piano Concerto. Community Traditions: Latvia’s Home Café Days drew more than 84,000 visitors this summer, bringing people to cafés hosted in homes across the country. City Life: Riga has approved plans for a Central Market renovation worth more than €22 million.
Health Watch: Flu vaccine demand is outstripping supply in Latvia. Family doctors have received less than 10% of the doses ordered for seniors, while vaccines for some children and adults are still unavailable. Youth Safety: Latvia’s Foreign Ministry is urging young people to watch for human-trafficking risks hidden in tempting job offers, paid trips and promises of easy money. Latvian Music: A concert in Preiļi honoured composer Jānis Ivanovs on the 120th anniversary of his birth, with Sinfonietta Rīga performing works by Ivanovs and Juris Karlsons. Regional Flavours: This summer’s Home Café Days drew 84,041 visitors to 568 hosts across Latvia, with food, local farms, music and nature among the attractions. Liepāja 2027: The city is preparing for its European Capital of Culture year, with 500 events planned across 2027.
Latvian Music: A concert in Preiļi marked composer Jānis Ivanovs’ 120th anniversary, with Sinfonietta Rīga performing works by the Latgale-born composer; Latvian Radio 3 has the tribute available to hear again. Health: Flu season has begun, but family doctors say vaccine deliveries are badly delayed: practices have received under 10% of ordered doses for seniors, while vaccines for some other groups are still unavailable. On the Cultural Calendar: Riga IFF continues across the city through October 25, with films spanning arthouse, thriller and animation. LTV has also received 125 submissions for Supernova 2027. Regional Life: Latvia’s Home Café Days drew more than 84,000 visitors this summer, as 568 hosts served local food and shared regional traditions. Leisure: Eurostat says 16.2% of people in Latvia cannot afford regular leisure activities, above the EU average of 12.1%.
Ukrainian Community: During a sermon in Riga, Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church leader Sviatoslav Shevchuk invited Ukrainians living in Latvia to join the church, regardless of their previous denomination or language. Arts & Events: Riga International Film Festival continues through Oct. 25, with films screening across the city. Next year, Liepāja plans 500 events for its European Capital of Culture programme. Regional Flavours: Latvia’s Home Café Days drew 84,041 visitors to 568 cafés this summer, up 3.6% on last year, showcasing local food, music and attractions. Latvian Film: Dzintars Dreibergs’ Escape Net, set in Soviet-era Riga, will open November’s FilmFestival Cottbus. Leisure Access: Eurostat says 16.2% of people in Latvia cannot afford regular leisure activities, above the EU average of 12.1%.
Leisure Access: Eurostat says 16.2% of people in Latvia cannot afford regular leisure activities, above the EU average of 12.1%. On the Culture Calendar: Riga International Film Festival runs through October 25, with films screening across the city; illusionist Edžus brings a family show to Liepāja today. Regional Flavours: Latvia’s Home Café Days welcomed 84,041 visitors this summer, up 3.6% on last year, with 568 hosts serving local food and sharing regional traditions. Liepāja 2027: Tour guide Armands Akmens offers ideas for exploring the city ahead of its Capital of Culture year, which is set to feature 500 events. Riga’s Central Market: The city council has approved renovation plans worth more than €22 million.
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