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Commemorative coin of the Republic of Latvia, 2 euros, issued in 2026. Dedicated to the Christmas fairs of Latvia. Minted at the Lithuanian Mint in Vilnius. Bimetallic, diameter 25.75 mm, weight 8.5 g.
Obverse
The center of the coin depicts a picturesque scene of a Latvian Christmas fair - possibly a Christmas tree, Christmas tents, the architectural silhouette of Old Riga. Around it are the inscriptions: "ZIEMASVĒTKU TIRDZIŅI" (Christmas fairs) and the name of the issuing country "LATVIJA". At the bottom is the year of issue "2026". The outer ring of the coin features the 12 five-pointed stars of the European Union.
Reverse
The reverse is the common side of the 2 euro coins of the second type, designed by Luc Luix (Royal Belgian Mint). It depicts a map of Europe as a single continent without internal borders - a symbol of European unity. On the left - a large denomination "2" and the inscription "EURO", on the right - a map with six thin horizontal lines in the background. On the outer ring - 12 stars of the European Union. The band - with thin ribbing and the Latvian inscription "DIEVS ★ SVĒTĪ ★ LATVIJU" (God bless Latvia - the name of the national anthem).
Historical context
Christmas fairs (Ziemassvētku tirdziņi) are one of the most beloved winter traditions of Latvia. The Riga Christmas Market on the Cathedral Square (Doma laukums) near the Dome Cathedral and on the Town Hall Square (Rātslaukums) near the House of the Blackheads is one of the most famous in Europe. Here in the middle of the 16th century, according to legend, in 1510, the Brotherhood of the Blackheads installed and decorated the world's first public Christmas tree - on the square near the Town Hall. This tradition is described in the chronicles of Riga, and today a commemorative sign - a tile with a multilingual inscription - is installed on the square. Modern Christmas markets are held from late November to late December and offer: mulled wine, pies (piragi), hot food, handicrafts, ceramics, woolen socks, wooden toys, holiday concerts. In addition to Riga, famous Christmas markets are held in Sigulda, Cēsis, Liepāja. The 2026 coin highlights this important cultural tradition.