The greatest crowd gathered at the stages where musicians were performing or sports competitions were taking place, such as tug-of-war. The tents in the centre of the park fared better, as did those producers who offered less commercial and unfiltered draught beer. Overall, the beer festival had nothing wrong with it. Plenty of everything, enough and tasty.
From 15 May to 2 June in Riga at St Peter's Church (Skārņu iela 19, Mon–Sat 10:00–19:00, Sun 12:00–19:00), the best World Press Photo competition photographs are on display. This is an exhibition that tours more than 100 cities around the world each year. Every year photographers, photo editors and press agencies from around the world submit more than 100,000 photographs to the competition. Exhibition admission: Ls3 Needless to say, the penguin photographs by photographer Paul Nicklen (National Geographic) were particularly captivating:
Being in Greece and not drinking wine is simply impossible - from light table wines of the local region to rounded, full-bodied, sun-drenched, fruit-forward wines aged in oak barrels. Despite the modest size of the islands, wine here is plentiful.
Like a scene emerging from a colourful postcard, a shore of white houses appears with vivid blue accents and ancient windmills. From the far corners of the world tourists come here to be photographed and to witness one of nature's most beautiful spectacles - a sunset that colours the sea and the white house façades in every shade of the rainbow.
The celebration of life, the enjoyment of nature's bounty, and direct communication between people - that is what draws one to Crete. The beaches are mostly pebbly or covered with fine stones, so walking barefoot is rather difficult. In a few places there are also sandy beaches. The Greek way of life and the philosophy of the living church were equally captivating.
For the second time, there was an opportunity to attend the New Earth project concert of Indian dance teacher Premal Madina at Artelis, held on the evening of 12 May. This time, alongside Indian dances of various styles, it was also possible to watch Sufi whirling and listen to the sounds of the sitar. The event's attendees were also treated to a variety of Eastern teas. A photo and video glimpse of the concert.
Nowadays leaders do not need to inspire and persuade the people, do not need to be loved by the people. True, they need to be shrewd enough to attract financial resources, because as you can see, the devil himself dances for money, not to mention PR campaigns and international organisations. One way or another, Darwin's theory's requirement regarding resourcefulness must be met.
In honour of International Dance Day, the Great Dance Parade was held in Riga for the first time, bringing together representatives of various dance styles. A photo and video glimpse of the event.
On 18 May 2013, with various events at Latvia's museums and exhibition halls, the three-year Museum Night cycle will continue, marking the national treasure and Rainis's three-coloured sun that rises now blue, now green, now red. Last year's Museum Night 2012 was dedicated to the waters and the sea theme. This year forests will enter the cities and museums. Green - the colour of renewal and harmony - will dominate. On Museum Night all museums are open well past midnight. Admission to museums during the event is free. Museum Night 2013 programme in Riga >>>
Overall, after the cleanup there remained a feeling of satisfaction when casting one's eyes over what had been accomplished, and also examining future project plans envisaging the development of Sarkandaugava and improvement of its environment, in which the district's residents and their demands for a clean, modern environment conducive to physical and mental health, while also rich in historical heritage, are the priority.