Latvia

      Martinmas is celebrated all over Latvia on 10th November. Th emain idea is to celebrrate the end of agricultural season and the beginning of winter.  Latvians believe that soil needs to have rest so all agricultural activities should be done untill Martinmas.

iIn the past it was time when people did not have to work so much and they could enjoy themselves by getting together to sing, dance, guess the riddles etc.It was the first time when people made masks, dressed up as mammers (a death, a wolf, a goat the small man, the tall woman, a stark etc.) and visit their neighbours to celebrate Martinmas. Mammers were teated. It was aroasted goose or chicken, stewed sauerkraut, different bakings, fruit , homemade bread etc.

Nowadays this tradition is still alive especially in the countryside.

At school the 4th class usually dress up as mammers and 'visit'all other classes and school canteen and office to congratulate people in Martinmas. You can see the videos.

Eduards Tutiņš, 

4th class