'Baltica' Folklore Festival Returns to Latvia This Summer
From June 26 to 29, Latvia will proudly host the 13th edition of the international folklore festival "Baltica," with this year's main theme centered around "language." The festival promises a vibrant celebration of cultural heritage, featuring a variety of concerts, dances, workshops, and other engaging events across Rīga, Sigulda, and Daugavpils.
The "Baltica" festival aims to bring together folklore and ethnographic groups from all regions of Latvia and the Baltic States, fostering a spirit of unity and cultural exchange. This year, the festival will also welcome folklore and traditional music groups from Peru and Ukraine, along with representatives from the Ukrainian diaspora, highlighting the festival's commitment to inclusivity and diversity.
Signe Pujāte, Director of the Latvian National Center for Culture, expressed the significance of the festival, stating, "The Baltica Festival is an event where we share the knowledge and skills that have been passed down through generations of Latvian history, culture, and folk traditions. We can be proud that we tell the stories of our people in Latvian and Livonian, involving as our guests those who express the treasures of their nation in other languages."
Continuing the tradition of the festival, the main theme was selected through a competitive process. A jury reviewed 15 applications, ultimately choosing the theme "Language," proposed by Edeite Laime, head of the Latgalian cultural movement "Volūda." This theme reflects the festival's focus on the importance of language in preserving cultural identity and heritage.
The International Folklore Festival "Baltica" has been celebrated since 1987, rotating among the Baltic countries. This year marks the 13th time Latvia will host the festival, which serves as a platform for folklore groups, ethnographic ensembles, chapels, folk dance groups, craftspeople, storytellers, and other custodians of living cultural heritage from all three Baltic States.
The festival is organized by the Latvian National Centre for Culture in collaboration with various local municipalities, including Rīga City Municipality, Daugavpils City Municipality, and Sigulda Municipality. Additional support comes from the Turaida Museum Reserve, the association "Culture Space in Nature," and the Latgalian cultural movement "Volūda," with backing from the Ministry of Culture and the State Culture Capital Foundation. Information support is provided by Latvian Public Media.
One of the highlights of the "Baltica" festival is that it will be free of charge for visitors, with the exception of events held at the Turaida Museum Reserve. This accessibility ensures that a wide audience can participate in and enjoy the rich tapestry of cultural expressions showcased during the festival.
As the festival approaches, the detailed program will be announced in May, promising an exciting lineup of activities that celebrate the vibrant folklore and traditions of Latvia and its neighboring countries. The "Baltica" festival is set to be a memorable event, fostering connections through the shared language of culture and heritage.
