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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.