https://eng.lsm.lv/ eng.lsm.lv en https://eng.lsm.lv//assets/logo/lsm_hi.png https://eng.lsm.lv/ https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/culture/16.07.2026-new-tourism-brochure-available-for-valmiera-district.a655307/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Thu, 16 Jul 2026 12:50:41 GMT 655307 As the tourist season hits its peak, Valmiera district in northern Latvia has prepared a new booklet outlining its active tourism offerings that may be of interest to foreign visitors as it is available in English. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/sport/16.07.2026-liepaja-advances-in-uefa-conference-league-qualification.a655267/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Thu, 16 Jul 2026 09:04:04 GMT 655267 The football players of FK Liepāja won their second leg of the UEFA Conference League qualifying round first leg in Montenegro on Wednesday night and as a result secured a place in the second round of competition. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/food-drink/15.07.2026-berry-good-latvias-juiciest-exports-have-growth-potential.a655123/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Wed, 15 Jul 2026 08:54:00 GMT 655123 Latvia's berry exports are growing – in recent years, blackcurrant exports have reached a historically high level, reports Latvian Radio. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/sport/14.07.2026-latvia-joins-call-for-eu-to-cut-funding-to-international-olympic-committee.a655001/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Tue, 14 Jul 2026 09:34:28 GMT 655001 Latvia is one of at least eight European countries that will address the European Commission with a proposal to withdraw European Union (EU) funding for the International Olympic Committee (IOC) as a result of its attempts to rehabilite aggressor states Russia and Belarus in international competition. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/culture/13.07.2026-latvian-culture-minister-suspends-co-operation-project-with-womens-ngo-network.a654922/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Mon, 13 Jul 2026 15:40:00 GMT 654922 Latvian Minister of Culture Nauris Puntulis (National Alliance) has issued an order suspendsing the right of the association "Latvian Women's Non-Governmental Organizations Cooperation Network" to carry out any further financial activities related to a project named "Social Diversity and Intercultural Communication for Professionals Working with Third-Country Nationals." https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/culture/13.07.2026-three-concert-ideas-for-this-week-in-latvia.a654868/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Mon, 13 Jul 2026 11:02:00 GMT 654868 LSM's cultural news editor has a few recommendations to ensure you top up your cultural quotient this week as well as your tan. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/music/10.07.2026-young-jazz-musicians-to-shine-through-summer-concert-competition.a654604/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Fri, 10 Jul 2026 07:29:41 GMT 654604 The jazz club "M/Darbnīca – M/House of Jazz" is holding a new generation jazz competition "Young and Talented" on Wednesdays in July and August, which takes place in the format of a concert cycle, reports Latvian Television. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/sport/10.07.2026-ostapenko-wins-first-wimbledon-mixed-doubles-title.a654597/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Fri, 10 Jul 2026 06:43:12 GMT 654597 Latvian tennis star Aļona Ostapenko, paired with Salvadoran Marcelo Arevalo, won the mixed doubles final at the Wimbledon Championships on Thursday. It is the former French Open champion's first grand slam title on grass. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/culture/10.07.2026-three-for-the-weekend-festivals-abound.a654592/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Fri, 10 Jul 2026 06:04:25 GMT 654592 Which festival will you choose for this weekend? https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/food-drink/09.07.2026-organic-dairy-brand-bryunala-discontinued-in-latvia.a654540/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Thu, 09 Jul 2026 14:28:04 GMT 654540 The agricultural services cooperative “Viļāni” has a wide range of organic dairy products and the “Bryunaļa” brand, which was launched 11 years ago. Due to the unprofitability of the production facility, a decision was made to discontinue the production of organic dairy products as of July 10, Latvian Radio reported on July 9. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/food-drink/08.07.2026-sweet-strawberries-but-poor-cherries-this-summer-in-latvia.a654265/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Wed, 08 Jul 2026 07:09:57 GMT 654265 This year, the local strawberry harvest has come earlier than last year in many places, and thanks to the sunny weather, the berries are often much sweeter. Meanwhile, the harvest of cherries is damaged by rainfall, Latvian Television reported on July 7. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/food-drink/08.07.2026-chanterelle-season-has-begun-in-latvia.a654260/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Wed, 08 Jul 2026 05:42:22 GMT 654260 Chanterelle season has begun – the first wild chanterelles are already available at markets, and the supply is steadily increasing. Mushroom pickers say there aren’t as many chanterelles this year as there were last year, Latvian Radio reports on July 8. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/culture/07.07.2026-latvian-national-library-allocated-cash-to-make-it-better-as-an-event-venue.a654213/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Tue, 07 Jul 2026 14:39:22 GMT 654213 The Cabinet of Ministers on 7th July decided to reallocate 2.2 million euros to the National Library of Latvia to ensure that its infrastructure meets the security, cybersecurity and organisational requirements of the upcoming Latvian Presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2028. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/culture/07.07.2026-riga-international-film-festival-returns-in-october.a654142/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Tue, 07 Jul 2026 09:12:00 GMT 654142 From October 15 to 25, the Rīga International Film Festival (Riga IFF) will take place for the 13th time, with the theme and motto “You Are Here,” the organisers announced on July 7. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/sport/07.07.2026-latvias-basketball-world-cup-hopes-live-on.a654126/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Tue, 07 Jul 2026 07:39:00 GMT 654126 The Latvian men's national basketball team defeated Austria 112:66 in Rīga on Monday and secured their place in the second round of the 2027 World Cup qualifiers. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/sport/06.07.2026-watch-again-latvia-versus-austria-world-cup-basketball.a653713/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Mon, 06 Jul 2026 14:00:00 GMT 653713 Following a crucial win against the Netherlands (72:69) on Friday, Latvia's hopes of a place in the 2027 basketball world cup in Qatar remain alive. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/music/05.07.2026-fire-damaged-old-town-bar-open-again-in-riga.a653891/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Sun, 05 Jul 2026 09:20:27 GMT 653891 It took two months, one week, and two days for the entertainment venue “The Sinners Bar” to be able to welcome guests again, says owner and musician Miks Galvanovskis. The bar was nearly destroyed in April, but now is up and running again, Latvian Television reports on July 4. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/history/03.07.2026-latvia-marks-jewish-genocide-memorial-day.a653229/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Fri, 03 Jul 2026 15:53:00 GMT 653229 Ordinary people and state officials alike participated in a ceremony of remembrance for the victims of the Jewish Genocide at the memorial in Riga, at 25 Emīlijas Benjamiņas Street on July 3rd.  https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/music/03.07.2026-listen-opening-concert-of-the-20th-baltic-student-song-and-dance-festival.a653792/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Fri, 03 Jul 2026 15:17:00 GMT 653792 The opening concert of the 20th Baltic Student Song and Dance Festival on June 19th brought together Baltic student choirs and orchestras, celebrating unity, student spirit and the power of song that has underpinned the Baltic States for 70 years and, indeed, far longer. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/sport/03.07.2026-watch-again-latvia-versus-the-netherlands-world-cup-basketball.a653209/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Fri, 03 Jul 2026 14:00:00 GMT 653209 The Latvian men's basketball team has two very important games ahead of them in the World Cup qualifying competition – they will face the Netherlands on Friday, and will host the Austrians on Monday. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/culture/03.07.2026-three-for-the-weekend-hip-hop-meadow-festival-home-cafes.a653766/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Fri, 03 Jul 2026 13:42:03 GMT 653766 If you’re in the mood for some lively beats this weekend, or simply want to get out of Rīga, the “Straume/Flow” (unrelated to the animated film) hip-hop festival is taking place on July 3 and 4 at the “Zeit” Creative Quarter in Līgatne. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/sport/03.07.2026-aluksne-hosts-european-speedboat-championship.a653725/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Fri, 03 Jul 2026 09:50:07 GMT 653725 If you happen to own a speedboat, you'll probably know already, while if you don't, you probably won't, but the European Speedboat Championship will take place on Lake Alūksne in north-eastern Latvia this weekend. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/history/02.07.2026-the-shocking-sarlotes-street-cannibalism-case-of-postwar-riga.a653561/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Thu, 02 Jul 2026 09:29:00 GMT 653561 Latvian Public Media (LSM) has launched a 'true crime' podcast of its own in response to the popularity of this often grisly genre, and things don't get much grislier than this appalling tale from postwar Latvia.  https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/sport/02.07.2026-its-a-bad-week-to-be-a-carp-in-jekabpils.a653557/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Thu, 02 Jul 2026 08:36:20 GMT 653557 For the second time, the world carp fishing championship is being held in Jēkabpils region, reports Latvian Television. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/food-drink/02.07.2026-southwestern-latvia-boasts-many-home-cafes-this-year.a653540/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Thu, 02 Jul 2026 06:12:00 GMT 653540 This weekend marks the start of Home Café Days. This initiative is now in its fifth year in Latvia, during which local residents transform their homes into cafés, offering both their favourite dishes and honoring recipes passed down from their ancestors.  Southern Kurzeme has set a record for home cafés this year – 52 participants have signed up, Latvian Radio reports on July 2. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/art/01.07.2026-riga-contemporary-art-fair-returns.a653423/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Wed, 01 Jul 2026 09:22:00 GMT 653423 Although Latvia still lacks a national museum of contemporary art, in recent years several ambitious contemporary art events have made themselves known in Rīga's cultural landscape - at the end of May, the second Riga Art Week took place, and on July 2nd, the second Riga Contemporary Art Fair "Riga Contemporary" will open its doors. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/theatre/01.07.2026-what-does-new-no-russian-theatre-language-rule-mean.a653412/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Wed, 01 Jul 2026 08:16:00 GMT 653412 No theatre in Latvia will be closed, nor will there be any interference with the content created by theatres, but posters, advertisements, websites, and other information media will have to be exclusively in the official language in the future - this is the main message of Culture Minister Nauris Puntulis  of the nationalist National Alliance political party, commenting on the order he issued immediately after the Midsummer holidays. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/history/30.06.2026-latvian-defence-ministry-to-spend-58000-euros-on-wwii-bunker.a653288/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Tue, 30 Jun 2026 12:05:00 GMT 653288 On Tuesday, June 30th, the Latvian government supported the allocation of 58 000 euros from the budget of the Ministry of Defence on the construction of a World War II bunker for a museum. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/food-drink/30.06.2026-reduced-vat-rates-apply-in-latvia-from-july-1st.a653281/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Tue, 30 Jun 2026 11:50:24 GMT 653281 From Wednesday, July 1st, a reduced Value Added Tax (VAT, or PVN in Latvian) rate of 12% will be applied to sales of bread, milk, fresh poultry meat and eggs in Latvia. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/history/30.06.2026-new-tourist-route-created-in-kuldiga.a653250/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Tue, 30 Jun 2026 09:55:00 GMT 653250 An interesting new excursion route with the name "(un)peace in Kuldīga: Living Old Town" (In Latvian "(ne)miers Kuldīgā: Dzīvā vecpilsēta") has been created, reports Latvian Radio. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/music/30.06.2026-listen-riga-opera-festival-gala-concert.a653236/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Tue, 30 Jun 2026 08:59:00 GMT 653236 The Latvian National Opera and Ballet, in collabroation with Latvian Radio 3, invites you to enjoy this beautiful midsummer gala concert, which closed the most recent Latvian National Opera season on June 20th. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/history/30.06.2026-cesis-cemetery-in-latvia-gains-international-significance.a653215/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Tue, 30 Jun 2026 07:18:00 GMT 653215 The historic Cēsis City Cemetery has been included in the list of significant European cemeteries, becoming the first and currently the only cemetery in Latvia to receive this international recognition from the Association of Significant Cemeteries in Europe, Latvian Radio reported on June 30. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/art/29.06.2026-mural-to-decorate-tunnel-at-riga-central-station.a653139/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Mon, 29 Jun 2026 13:02:00 GMT 653139 Pop-up artists have begun creating the mural “Riga’s Atlantis” in the underground passageway connecting Rīga Central Station and Rīga Central Market, the Rīga City Council said on June 29. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/food-drink/29.06.2026-unhygienic-cherry-packaging-warehouse-uncovered-in-latvia.a653089/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Mon, 29 Jun 2026 09:33:00 GMT 653089 The Food and Veterinary Service (PVD) has initiated enforcement proceedings against SIA "Topfruit" for violations of hygiene requirements, PVD said on June 29. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/culture/26.06.2026-three-for-the-weekend-ballet-and-rock.a652648/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Fri, 26 Jun 2026 07:30:00 GMT 652648 Where will your festivalgoer heart lead you this weekend? Wherever that may be, don't forget your sunscreen. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/music/26.06.2026-bicycle-music-sets-out-on-its-16th-tour-across-latvia.a652750/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Fri, 26 Jun 2026 07:08:00 GMT 652750 With bicycles, acoustic musical instruments, and songs in tow, since 2012, Kārlis Kazāks and his like-minded friends have set out on the “Velomūzika” or bicycle music tour across Latvia every summer. Over several days, the musicians travel to various locations, giving concerts to locals in the evenings. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/culture/23.06.2026-midsummer-celebrations-in-riga.a652476/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Tue, 23 Jun 2026 07:11:00 GMT 652476 If you have not done the Latvian thing and gone to whatever countryside for the Midsummer celebrations, from 8:00 p.m. on June 23 to 4:30 a.m. on June 24, Rīga residents and visitors are invited to three venues – Grīziņkalns Park, Dzegužkalns, and the Green Theatre in Mežaparks, according to representatives of the Rīga City Council. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/culture/22.06.2026-great-latgalian-market-brought-together-hundreds-this-year.a652410/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Mon, 22 Jun 2026 10:48:00 GMT 652410 The Great Latgalian Market has become an important summer tradition in Latgale. To celebrate the summer solstice together, it brings together vendors and visitors from various regions of Latvia every year, Latgale Regional Television reported on June 21. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/music/21.06.2026-watch-again-20th-baltic-states-student-song-and-dance-festival-gaudeamus-grand-concert.a651832/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Mon, 22 Jun 2026 06:31:33 GMT 651832 From June 19th to 21st, Riga will host the XX Baltic Student Song and Dance Festival “Gaudeamus”, bringing together 5,000 students from Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/sport/20.06.2026-watch-again-latvia-versus-switzerland-mens-international-volleyball.a651831/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Sat, 20 Jun 2026 20:24:01 GMT 651831 More exciting action as Latvia and Switzerland meet in an international volleyball clash. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/sport/20.06.2026-watch-again-latvia-versus-greece-womens-international-volleyball.a651827/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Sat, 20 Jun 2026 20:22:48 GMT 651827 Watch live as Latvia takes on Greece in women's international volleyball. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/sport/20.06.2026-watch-again-latvia-versus-norway-mens-international-volleyball.a651535/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Sat, 20 Jun 2026 07:23:00 GMT 651535 Watch LTV's live coverage as the national volleyball teams of Latvia and Norway battle it out. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/sport/20.06.2026-watch-again-latvia-versus-estonia-womens-international-volleyball.a651534/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Sat, 20 Jun 2026 07:22:00 GMT 651534 Watch LTV's live coverage of the Baltic battle as the women's national volleyball teams of Latvia and Estonia battle it out. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/history/19.06.2026-prince-of-courland-ernst-johann-biron-dies-aged-85.a652269/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Fri, 19 Jun 2026 14:55:00 GMT 652269 Ernst Johann Biron, Prince of Courland (1940–2026), descendant of Duke Peter von Biron of Courland, passed away on the night of June 19 at the age of 85, according to representatives of Rundāle Palace. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/culture/19.06.2026-latvian-midsummer-online-film-festival-available-worldwide.a652236/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Fri, 19 Jun 2026 12:09:42 GMT 652236 The National Film Center’s filmas.lv portal is hosting its traditional “Midsummer Festival,” which this year is centred on the history of cinema and the music calendar; specifically, 2026 marks more or less 'round number' anniversaries for many well-known Latvian composers who have also written music for great films, and the portal has curated a selection of ten films from the anniversary composers’ filmography. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/culture/19.06.2026-traditional-herb-market-open-in-rigas-old-town.a652230/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Fri, 19 Jun 2026 11:39:25 GMT 652230 The traditional Herb Market opened on June 19 in Rīga’s Doma Square, offering everything needed for the colourful and tradition-rich Midsummer celebrations – Midsummer herbs, cheese, beer, and gifts. This year, more than 260 vendors are participating, and the market will be open until 7 p.m. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/art/19.06.2026-jelgava-is-on-fire-this-weekend.a652157/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Fri, 19 Jun 2026 06:20:00 GMT 652157 The 14th International Large-Scale Ceramic Fire Sculpture Symposium is underway in Jelgava, on Pasta (Postal) Island. This year, four artists from Latvia, the United Kingdom, and Estonia are creating large-scale fireclay sculptures on the theme of identity, Zemgale Regional Television reported on June 18. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/theatre/19.06.2026-latvian-actor-enriko-avots-dies.a652155/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Fri, 19 Jun 2026 05:36:00 GMT 652155 Latvian actor Enriko Avots (02.11.1952–14.06.2026), who worked at the Youth Theatre from 1976 to 1992 and later at the New Rīga Theatre and Latvian Television, has died, according to the Latvian Theatre Workers’ Union. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/food-drink/18.06.2026-chicken-of-the-woods-aplenty-in-latvia.a652054/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Thu, 18 Jun 2026 12:40:26 GMT 652054 The annual hunting season for early spring edible mushrooms has come to an end. However, we still have to wait a little while longer for the start of the chanterelle season. Not to mention the start of the season for boletes and other late-summer mushrooms… What should mushroom-loving Latvians do now? Experienced gourmets know: head out to find some chicken of the wood! https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/culture/17.06.2026-summer-solstice-events-in-latvia.a651802/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links Thu, 18 Jun 2026 07:33:52 GMT 651802 From peaceful wreath-making to lively outdoor dances – a spectacular program of solstice celebrations is in store across Latvia again this year. To help you navigate the wide range of events, here’s a glimpse into the various festivities.