Saint Paul Delights in the Sights and Sounds of Latvia

The XV Latvian Song and Dance Festival USA was held in Minnesota on June 29 - July 4, 2022. Saint Paul, the state’s capital city, hosted the celebration and its numerous events paying tribute to Latvia’s rich cultural and folk traditions. This lively celebration of Latvian music and dance is held every five years in the Latvian capital city of Riga. This tradition has evolved internationally and is celebrated in a new city every five years in the United States. 
​
Not unlike the celebrations held along the shore of the Daugava River in Riga, the festival in Saint Paul featured the beautiful backdrop of the Mississippi River on June 30. The Mississippi River Shindig & Pig Roast (Zaļumballe ar cūku bērēm) unfolded on historic Harriet Island, not far from the city’s downtown. The crowd savored delicious pulled pork sandwiches and other tasty treats—and many guests gleefully took photos with the porky star!

The true stars, however, were the Latvian-Swedish band Stokholmas Spēlmaņi and Minnesotan-Latvian band Lini. These musical performers inspired guests young and old to dance along expressing their joy and love for traditional Lativan music. 

The celebration continued through the week with a wide variety of song and dance events, including the Grand Folk Dance Performance (Tautas deju lieluzvedum) on July 2. Hundreds of dancers performed carefully choreographed traditional Latvian dances for the crowd at the Xcel Energy Center. The dancers, clad in traditional Latvian folk attire, were encouraged by the energized crowd clapping along to the music. Latvia’s natural landscapes and the Daugava River came alive with large photos and sounds of the river. 
​
We also had the good fortune of attending the Grand Choir Concert (Kopkoŗa koncerts) at the beautiful Ordway Music Theater in the heart of Saint Paul on July 3. More than one hundred singers dressed in traditional folk costumes (accompanied by highly talented orchestral musicians) performed a wide variety of beautiful and powerful traditional folk songs. The nearly sold-out audience stood and joined the show by singing along to the national anthems for the United States, Latvia and Ukraine.

The XXVII Latvian Nationwide Song and XVII Dance Celebration will be held from June 30-July 9, 2023, in Riga, Latvia, marking the 150th anniversary of this unique national cultural movement that has inspired millions. Baltics & Beyond Travel will be offering special tours in 2023 to coincide with this not-to-be missed cultural opportunity. Check back soon for more information and to reserve your spot. ​

The festival concluded with a Jazz Brunch (Džeza Brokastis) at the InterContinental Hotel on July 4. Latvian-American jazz musicians performed for the festival attendees as they socialized and reflected on the many wonderful moments and new memories they will treasure in the months and years ahead.

As someone with Latvian roots (and Latvian and U.S. citizenship) and as a Saint Paul resident, this festival was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to connect with fellow Latvian-Americans from across the United States and Canada, as well as with Latvians who traveled thousands of miles to be part of this heart-felt celebration in my hometown. We are eager to visit beloved Latvia again very soon and hope that you will join us!

(This blog post contributed by Čārlzs Bielke)