On 7 December, President of Latvia Egils Levits and Mrs Andra Levite hosted a Christmas event at the Riga Castle for 18 families from various regions and cities of Latvia, after which families and President and First Lady lit the Christmas Tree in the courtyard of Riga Castle.
‘Large families are one of Latvia’s greatest values. Families are the natural building blocks of a sustainable and resilient Latvian nation. Even our constitution recognises families as the essential element of Latvian society and state, and you represent this element every day. Family and children give meaning to life. I want to thank all of you from the bottom of my heart. Your care for your families and the affection you give your loved ones, and the way you contribute to our country by doing so, is admirable. All people in Latvia should admire you for what you do for your families, Latvia and our people,’ President of Latvia said to everyone gathered.
Most active and creative Latvian big families and families that have relocated back to Latvia after spending many years living abroad took part in lighting of the Christmas Tree.
President of Latvia and Mrs Levite welcomed Drandi family from Riga, Prošini family from Salaspils, Brūkļi family from Riga, Makstnieki family from Talsi region, Indriksoni family from Ventspils region, Indriksoni family from Tukums region, Dambji family from Zilupe in Ludza region, Klauči family from Viļāni in Rēzekne region, Valaiņi family from Aglona in Preiļi region, Mandeji family from Kubuli parish of Balva region, Lapkovski family from Saulkrasti region, Daņilovi family from Valka region, Mesteri family from Ogre region, family of Inga Madžule and Guy Marskell from Cēsis region, Bataragi family from Sala parish of Jēkabpils region, Lasmaņi family from Stelpe parish of Bauska region, family of Olga Karasenko and Aleksejs Piļenoks from Glūda parish of Jelgava region and Kreitāli family from Pļaviņas in Aizkraukle region. Krūmi family from Ādaži region and Frēlihi family from Ventspils were also invited to come to the Riga Castle but were not able to attend the event.
Families that visited Riga Castle and met with the President of Latvia were recommended by local governments they represent.
