Now, looking back through the photographs of inspired faces and the vigour of songs and dances, this elevated mood involuntarily sticks - and one hopes it will remain in everyone, both participants and spectators, for the next five years, until the next grand festival of national communal singing and dancing.
At the concert, alongside the traditional folk song arrangements and the beloved composed songs such as "Sun. Thunder. Daugava.", "Castle of Light", and others, there were also more contemporary rhythms accompanied by various percussion instruments. By downloading the "Dziesmu svētki 2013" app for Android smartphones, one could sing along, as the lyrics of all the festival songs can be found there in alphabetical order.
SIA Man-Tess gained wider resonance in 2012 in the so-called Sarkandaugava stench scandal. In 2011 the company was sold to a company registered in the Netherlands. In 2013 the company changed owners and name again.
From 25 to 28 July, Sabile will celebrate its 15th Wine Festival, delighting both locals and visitors with fun, delicacies and wine in the town's streets and courtyards. The festivities will continue for four days, but the main events - the festival parade, dancing, tastings and street market - will take place on Saturday 27 July. Here is the programme, with the highlights I chose to note: from 09:00 - Wine Market at Rīgas iela 11 square; 11:00 - Opening of the 15th Sabile Wine Festival at Vine Hill; 11:30 - Festive opening parade from Vine Hill to the Fire Station courtyard; 15:00 - "Putotava" slide down "wine foam", an active and fun event on the "bobsled run" in the ravine between Pilskalns and Vine Hill; 17:00 - Wine tasting at Rīgas iela 1, Fire Station courtyard; 19:00 - Theatrical parade "Drunkenness passes, foolishness - no!", theme: "A storm tears the roof off Sabile!" Rīgas iela/Ventspils iela/Sabile Secondary School; 22:30 - Fire sculpture on Gallows Hill; 23:00–04:00 - Festival ball with bands "No Boundaries" and "Apvedceļš" at the open-air stage "Birzīte", admission Ls3
For the fifth year running, the Great Latgalian Market took place at the ancient Ludza castle mound, traditionally on the eve of Midsummer. What invariably draws me to it is the naturalness and authenticity - in forms, in flavours, in sounds. One of the most positive ways in which pride in one's land, region, people, and their wisdom for living and joy in life can find expression.
Without doubt, LOW PROFILE is a mood film. The plot or the thought contained in it might still be debated, but in my view it was an excellent idea to include in the film the poetry of Gatis Zotovs, which is truly enjoyable. In any case it is a pleasure to see fellow people who are doing, creating and telling the story of their neighbourhood, their environment, their city, their country.
I am gratified that the competition has transformed its focus from salespeople to business people. Because if you are someone who leads and does things, you need to know how to sell in any case - otherwise you simply won't achieve anything. "Selling" an idea to a business partner, "selling" a vision to the team, "selling" yourself as a good speaker to an audience, and so on.
TERRA definitely gives the impression of a nature-close, "green" restaurant - thanks to its natural wood interior, the greenery all around, and the use of fresh herbs such as rosemary, mint, and others. This evening, with a dessert party, the restaurant opened its summer season, treating the gathered food lovers to sweet creations by German chef Fabian de Fries.
The Kalnciema iela quarter is a lovely spot we always enjoy visiting. It attracts not only for its architecture but also its special creative aura and interesting events. The markets are a regular and foodie-pleasing feature, where you can always find something to taste on the spot and take home. Kalnciema iela thematic markets this summer 15 June 18:00–00:00 Night Herb Market 21:00–00:00 concert "Skroderdienas Silmačos" 22 June 10:00–16:00 Suiti Market 12:00–15:00 concert 29 June 10:00–16:00 Market and Song Festival Opening Event 6 July 10:00–16:00 Berry Market 13 July 10:00–16:00 Wine Festival 17 August 10:00–23:00 Riga City Festival
Branson's appearance at FORUM ONE is simply yet another dream killed. Glorified from a distance, judging by the scripted videos, articles, and media coverage - in person, a NON-leader. Apparently, too much was expected from his performance and nothing was received. Otherwise, FORUM ONE is a very inspiring, ambitious, and valuable event within easy reach for a Latvian.