Riga, Latvia—In what experts are calling a 'dream initiative,' Latvia has launched a groundbreaking campaign to tackle a growing issue chilling the Baltic nation: insomnia. The ambitious endeavor is dubbed the 'Zzz' Festival and is expected to put residents' sleep troubles to bed once and for all.

During an official announcement held at the crack of dawn in the Rīga City Council chamber—because those organizing ironically hadn’t slept in days—Mayor Ilsa Drumbuļska expressed her enthusiasm for this pioneering move. 'We can no longer ignore the fact that Latvians rank fifth in the world for sleeplessness, closely following the nocturnal tendencies of owls,' Drumbuļska declared while stifling a yawn.

The festival is designed around a series of unique events tailored to induce hibernation. Among the highlights is the 'Slumber Games' competition, in which participants are judged not by their prowess or athletic ability, but rather by their skills in dozing off in peculiar settings, such as atop the Freedom Monument or while crossing the busy streets of Old Riga during peak tourist season. Contestants are scored on duration and quality of siesta but lose points if woken by curious tourists.

Cultural anthropologist and sleep enthusiast Dr. Vilis Miega applauded the festival, hinting that it might be inspired by ancient Latvian traditions. 'Many are unaware that in pre-Christian Latvia, a winter solstice nap-a-thon was commonly practised to encourage better harvest dreams. We're not creating something new, just reviving a lost cultural treasure,' Dr. Miega noted, his voice betraying a slight drowsiness.

The Ministry of Relaxation (formerly the Ministry of Economic Affairs during business hours) is said to operate special 'Nap Pods' scattered throughout Riga, which are part of the Sleep Sure initiative. By day, they will double as information kiosks, but by night, they offer warmth and silence, complete with state-sponsored soundscapes featuring naturally soothing soundbites such as 'Rain on a Tin Roof,' and, intriguingly, 'Loudly Malfunctioning Jaunmokas Clock.'</n Local businesses, too, are embracing the sleepy vibe. Cafés once abuzz with chatter over espressos are now offering Night Cappuccinos: a startling concoction brewed with chamomile and lavender essence, guaranteed to replace wired nights with peaceful bedtimes.

However, not everyone is aligning with the plan. A newly formed protest group, the Sons of the Early Sunrise, voiced concerns that the initiative might send a confusing message to workaholic Latvians. 'We firmly believe a nation is only as conscious as its people at 4 a.m.,' declared the protest leader, Juris Mostsin-Otsi, who personally adheres to a regimen of ten espressos a day.

Economists are cautiously optimistic that the festival could lead to a 10% boost in GDP by lowering national coffee imports and daytime productivity spikes following well-rested nights. If successful, regional council members are even considering extending the festival into a permanent lifestyle change, dubbed 'The Baltic Snooze.'

As the Zzz Festival kicks off this week, event organizers remain hopeful that it will chart a course for a more relaxed, well-rested Latvia, possibly encouraging neighboring nations to join a broader Baltic Slumber Union.

'If this all goes well,' as Mayor Drumbuļska enthusiastically concluded while reaching for her second pillow, 'soon, instead of chasing dreams, Latvians can finally invite dreams to settle patiently in their wake.'