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A Sunny Weekend in Riga

A Sunny Weekend in Riga
23 April 2025

The Easter weekend brought unexpectedly sunny skies and delightfully pleasant weather. With both Friday and Monday off, we students at the Liden & Denz School in Riga had the perfect opportunity to plan some memorable day trips and activities. Wondering what it’s like to spend Easter as a Russian language student in Riga? Step into my Easter weekend in Riga — full of cultural treasures, and relaxing moments in Latvia’s charming capital!

 

BEACH DAY

Friday turned out to be the warmest day of the entire week, with temperatures soaring to a glorious 27ºC.

With the sun shining brightly and a gentle breeze in the air, it felt like the perfect summer day in spring. Naturally, we couldn’t resist the call of the coast — so we packed our bags, grabbed some snacks, and made our way to the beach to soak up the sun and enjoy the unexpected warmth.

We took a quick 40-minute drive out of Riga to a beautiful beach, excited to make the most of the perfect weather. After applying sunscreen, we settled on the sand, relaxing and enjoying the peaceful surroundings, with the warm sun on our skin. It was such a fun, carefree time — tanning, chatting, and simply soaking in the beautiful day.

Naturally, we couldn’t resist dipping our toes in the water, but it was freezing! We managed to get in just up to our knees before quickly deciding it wasn’t worth going any further.

 

VECRĪGA (OLD TOWN)

On Easter, I took a stroll through the heart of Riga, and the whole city was buzzing with the spirit of the holiday. Everywhere I looked, the streets were beautifully decorated — fresh flowers and colorful banners brightened public spaces, adding a cheerful vibrancy to the scene. The atmosphere was light and joyful, with families and people of all ages gathered in the main squares and parks, enjoying the sunshine and soaking in the festive mood.

One of the highlights of my walk was coming across the Easter swings set up in the city center. I couldn’t resist giving them a try — it felt like the perfect way to take part in a local tradition and soak up the festive spirit of the season.

 

ORTHODOX EASTER SERVICE

On the same day, I visited the Orthodox Church of the Nativity of Christ in Riga, one of the city’s most breathtaking landmarks. Its majestic domes shimmered in the soft morning light, and the quiet reverence of the space set the stage for a profoundly beautiful experience. The church’s Byzantine Revival architecture, adorned with golden accents and intricate mosaics, evoked a deep sense of awe and wonder. Inside, the flickering light of candles illuminated the faces of worshippers, while the chants of the Easter service filled the air, creating an atmosphere of peace and reflection. The entire experience was nothing short of breathtaking — calm, joyous, and almost timeless, as if the world outside had faded away. It was a truly moving moment, standing in such a beautiful place, surrounded by centuries of tradition, and feeling the warmth of the community as it came together to celebrate Easter.

Sadly, taking pictures wasn’t allowed inside, so I’ll share a photo of the exterior instead.

 

 

Though I was far from home, it was one of the most heartwarming ways I could have spent Easter. The whole weekend was filled with sunshine, meaningful moments, and a sense of togetherness. Each day brought something new and memorable. It was the kind of weekend that reminded me how enriching it can be to experience holidays in a different place — with fresh perspectives, and the comforting realization that you can feel at home, even far away.

This article was brought to you by Elle, currently studying Russian at Liden & Denz Riga. 

 

Posted by Elle

Elle, our intern from Italy, started learning Russian on her own in 2017 and took her first class at Liden & Denz St. Petersburg in 2019. She studied and interned at Liden & Denz Riga in both 2024 and 2025.

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