Latvia is an independent country located in Northern Europe between the Baltic Sea and Russia. It regained independence in 1990 after being occupied by the Soviet Union from 1940 to 1990. Latvian culture is based on traditions from ancient Latvian tribes and includes major celebrations like the summer solstice, as well as singing, dancing, and the Dainu skapis collection of Latvian folklore. An iconic hero of Latvian folklore is Lāčplesis, who has superhuman strength from his bear ears. The Baltic Way in 1989 was a peaceful protest where 2 million people formed a 675.5 km long human chain across Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia to demonstrate a popular desire for independence from the Soviet