Latvia: Beer drinking moderate despite Midsummer

While Latvian beer drinking increases in June because of the Midsummer holiday, it is still less than what the Czechs, Germans and Irish drink, Baltic Business News informed June 22.

In 2005, per-capita beer consumption in June rose to 8.74 litres from the year-based monthly average of 5.8 litres. However, in 2004, Czechs were drinking 13.3 litres per month, Irish 11.66 litres and Germans – 10 litres.

Another Midsummer tradition, the consumption of caraway-seed laced “Janis’ cheese” has declined as Latvians now consider it to be ordinary, not special. Midsummer celebrants, in addition to traditional cheese, are also eating other varieties.