Page 138 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Estonia Latvia & Lithuania

136  INTRODUCING LA T VIA

LATVIA THROUGH
THE YEAR

With the pagan past never entirely erased concentrated in Rīga, although other cities,
by the German crusaders, the Latvian parti cularly Liepāja, have their share, and
calendar is punctuated by celebrations many smaller towns celebrate folk festivals.
which mark the rhythm of passing seasons. The best time to visit is from May to mid-
Many folk traditions are incor porated into September. Rīga, however, gets plenty of
Christian festivals, and they provide a tourists throughout the year due to its
chance to experience traditional acti vities. vibrant cultural life and it can look very
International cultural events are attractive on a clear winter’s day.

Art Days and Museum Nights.
Spring
At this lively festival, artists display
The rain and mud of early their work in streets and squares
spring can dampen the spirits. across the country. Concerts and
However, by April the country­ theatre perform ances are held,
side comes alive with dance and many museums stay open
and music. into the night.
March
Piano Stars (Mar–Apr), Liepāja. Summer
This festival was established in The summer months are the
1993 and attracts pianists from best time to visit, not only
around the world. because the weather is at its
most enjoyable, but because it
April is festival season.
International Baltic Ballet Knights fighting in the Baltic
Festival (Apr–May). The festi val, June Medieval Festival
which features styles of dance Rīga Opera Festival (mid-Jun),
ranging from classical to avant­ Rīga. An international festival Midsummer (23–24 Jun).
garde, is held in Rīga as well as mark ing the end of the Latvian On Herb Day (Līgo), houses
other towns. National Opera season, with an and barns are decorated with
over view of the previous year. branches, flowers and leaves.
May Arts and Crafts Fair (first In the evening, songs are
Livonian Festival (late May), weekend), Rīga. This event has sung around fires which
Cēsis. Highlights include been in existence since 1971, remain lit until the dawn
medieval music, food, crafts with music, theatre, dance and of St John’s Day (Jāņi).
workshops and battle traditional crafts demonstrations
re­enactments held in the at the Ethnographic Open­Air July
town’s Livonian Order castle. Museum (see p163). Sea Festival (second week end).
Fishermen are hon oured
along with the God of the Sea
in this nationwide festival.
Latvian Song and Dance
Festival, Rīga. This amateur
choral festival is the largest of
its kind in the world. It is held
every five years and is next
scheduled for 2018.
Folklore Baltica Festival, Rīga.
The three Baltic capitals host
the event in turns.
Rīgas Ritmi (first week), Rīga.
Jazz and world music artists
perform at this music festival.
Summer Sound, Liepāja.
This festival confirms the city’s
claim to be the home of
Performers at the Rīga Opera Festival Latvian rock music.

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