Grand Easter Celebration at the Latvian Ethnographic Open-Air Museum

On 5 April, the Latvian Ethnographic Open-Air Museum invites visitors to celebrate Easter in the spirit of Latvian traditions. The event will feature a large crafts and local food producers’ market, traditional egg dyeing and egg rolling, giant Easter swings, folk music and dancing, creative activities for children, and a special theatre performance.

The day will begin with a church service in the museum’s historic Usmas Lutheran Church, reflecting the close connection between Christian and folk Easter traditions in Latvia.

Throughout the day, visitors can take part in egg-dyeing workshops, traditional games, and family-friendly activities in the Courland Fishermen’s Village. The programme includes Easter traditions with the Sigulda folklore group Senleja (11:00), the children’s performance All’s Well That Ends Well (12:00), traditional dances and games with Zeidi (13:00), and spring songs performed by the Ropaži folklore group Oglīte (from 14:00).

The courtyard of the Mauri Homestead will be home to friendly Easter rabbits, while the market square will host the Easter Market throughout the day.

In Latvian tradition, Easter—known as Lielā diena (“The Great Day”)—marks the arrival of spring, when daylight becomes longer than darkness. One of the most beloved Easter customs is swinging. Traditionally, people believed that swinging towards the Sun promoted health, fertility, prosperity, and harmony throughout the coming year. According to folk belief, those who swing often at Easter will enjoy good fortune and a carefree summer ahead.

Join us for a joyful celebration of spring and discover the rich traditions of Latvian Easter in one of the country’s most beautiful cultural heritage settings.