On 3 November, European hunters honour their patron saint, Saint Hubert. In some places, the festive service is accompanied by the sound of hunting horns, while in others, hunting dogs and horses are blessed. Celebrations are also held on other days in early November, with customs varying by region. In many places, the focus of the festivities is gratitude for nature's bounty and prayers for safety during hunts.

Hunters most commonly recognise Saint Hubert by the stag with a cross between its antlers. Legend has it that Hubert encountered such a stag while hunting, and this encounter changed his life. Over time, the image of the stag became a well-known symbol of the hunters' patron. The legend also provides an opportunity to reflect on what humans do with the opportunities provided to them by nature.

One of the most audible traditions of the feast is the music of hunting horns. The sounds of the horns served as signals during the hunt, while on festive occasions, they can be heard during church services and performances by horn ensembles. In the Belgian town of Saint-Hubert, which bears the saint's name, horn music accompanies the festive Mass. Bread and animals are also blessed there, and in addition to hunters, horse riders and other visitors participate in the celebrations.

For Latvian hunters, the significance of this holiday resonates with the values passed on in hunting collectives on a daily basis. Experienced hunters show the younger generation how to assess whether a shot is safe, how to track a wounded animal, and how to process game carefully. Gratitude for the game is also expressed through concrete actions, such as making use of the meat obtained and sharing it. The festive church service provides an opportunity to discuss these values together with families and people who do not hunt themselves.

In Latvia, Saint Hubert's Day is also marked in Skaistkalne. Last year, some media coverage of the celebrations focused on the bringing of a hunted stag into the church. The episode sparked a wide-ranging discussion, and LATMA explained at the time that the gesture was intended as a symbolic expression of gratitude for the game. The tradition continues in Skaistkalne. This year, the church service dedicated to hunters and supporters of hunting will take place at the Skaistkalne shrine on Sunday, 8 November.

Facts about Saint Hubert

• A bishop who lived more than 1,300 years ago. Hubert was born around 656 and died in 727. He was the Bishop of Maastricht and later moved the bishop's seat to Liège.
  
  
• Patron saint of hunters. Hubert's name is closely linked in European hunting culture to the legend of the stag. It says that during a hunt, he saw a stag with a glowing cross between its antlers, and this encounter changed his life.
  
  
• The feast day is 3 November. Festive church services and hunter gatherings are also held in many places during the nearby weekends in early November.
  
  
• The town that bears his name. In the Belgian Ardennes lies Saint-Hubert (Saint-Hubert). In its basilica, the Saint Hubert's Day service is accompanied by hunting horn music. The festive customs also include the blessing of bread and animals.
  
  
• The significance of the holiday for hunters. It is an opportunity to give thanks for nature's gifts, pray for safety during the hunt, and discuss with the younger generation how respect for animals and responsibility for game are expressed in everyday life.