Folk traditions continue to thrive in Latvia thanks to the engaged and enthusiastic local community that keeps the fire alive. From crafters to librarians, it’s local heroes like these who ensure that ancient practices such as vakarēšana retain a place in today’s world. So, what exactly is this tradition that some might call a cousin of the Danish hygge?

Vakarēšana is a cozy gathering with both practical and social meaning, where people convene to tackle odd jobs, engage in arts and crafts, and share stories, songs, games, and food. You might think of it as a winter survival mechanism—it typically takes place in the colder, darker months of the year—and the perfect opportunity to catch up on the latest gossip.

In the past, the occasion gathered family, friends, and neighbors at someone’s home. Women would spin wool, knit mittens, socks and hats, while men would make and repair things for use around the home, from ropes to furniture—whatever was necessary in the moment. Today, less driven by practical need, vakarēšana can be an opportunity to strengthen bonds, build new connections, and learn something new.

© Gāliņciems Library

© Gāliņciems Library

© Gāliņciems Library

Local community centers matter

One of the institutions keeping the tradition alive is Gāliņciems Library. This state-of-the-art facility in the town of Ventspils serves as a community center and stays open late on Wednesdays, inviting members of the public to join the vakarēšana event series. The head of the library Krista Karabeško explains that it requires minimal effort to organize. While the occasion is yet to draw crowds, the focus is on quality rather than quantity. She and her team have started inviting talented individuals to share their crafts and inspire others. In this way, attendees can learn something new while engaging in their own creative projects.

Elsewhere, the Dobele House of Crafts offers monthly vakarēšana evenings in the fall and winter season. Manager Airita Tama shares that the get-together typically gathers the town’s most active crafters who spend the evening either working on their individual projects or learning something new. Along with knitting, weaving and crocheting, they’ve made puzuri (Latvian home decors) and rings, cooked soup and porridge together. Last year, they even experimented with the Japanese folk art form of Temari!

© Gardenia Eco

Host your own vakarēšana!

To anyone wishing to host their own vakarēšana, Airita advises: “Make sure that you have an initial group of enthusiasts ready to join!” She has learned that word of mouth and social media posts work well and that you may have to encourage shyer souls by helping them understand that everyone is welcome, no matter their skill level.

The essence of vakarēšana in the modern age seems to be bringing together people from different walks of life to connect over shared interests.