Latvia has over 12,500 rivers that stretch for 38,000 kilometres, as well as 2,256 lakes that are bigger than 1 ha, with a collective area of 1,000 sq. km.
Easter is the peak of the Christian church year; the rest of the year is a prelude to the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus, Advent time of expectant waiting for the celebration of the Nativity of Jesus, Christmas and Fasting.
The culture of Latvia is as colorful as its' past, having been influenced by various civilizations since ancient times. Local Latvian Pagan heritage has survived over millennia, with German missionary knights introduced Christianity to the territory of Latvia in the 13th century. These enduring Pagan customs combined with common Christian traditions and rituals are two distinct characteristics of Latvian culture today.