Latgales

Latgales is a historical and cultural region in eastern Latvia. It is one of the four historical Latvian lands, the others being Courland, Livonia, and Semigallia. Latgale is situated in the eastern part of the country, bordering Russia and Belarus. The region is characterized by its hilly landscape, numerous lakes, and forests, making it a popular destination for tourism and nature enthusiasts.

The history of Latgale is distinct from the rest of Latvia. In the 16th century, it came under Polish-Lithuanian rule and was known as Inflanty Voivodeship. This period significantly influenced its culture, language, and religion, with a strong presence of Catholicism and a unique dialect of Latvian, Latgalian, which is recognized as a distinct language by some linguists. In the 18th century, Latgale was incorporated into the Russian Empire, and later, after Latvia's independence in 1918, it became part of the unified Latvian state.

Latgale has a rich cultural heritage, evident in its folk traditions, music, and crafts. The region is known for its pottery, weaving, and distinctive embroidery. Latgalian language and culture have been preserved and are celebrated through various festivals and cultural events. The largest city in Latgale is Daugavpils, which is also Latvia's second-largest city. Other significant towns include Rēzekne and Ludza. Latgale's economy is primarily based on agriculture, forestry, and a growing tourism sector, attracted by its natural beauty and cultural attractions.