Sveiks!

Could someone help me please- we were in Riga 5 years ago and accidently came across what seems to some kind of harvest festival in Old Riga, comprising of folk music, dancing, food stalls and a “fountain” made from vegetables!

We weren’t able to establish at the time what it was or if it was a regular event. I have a photo of the advertising poster which says:

“Razas svetki Riga
25.09.2004

Gadatirgus
Mikeldienu Gaidot
Doma laukuma

un abolu tirgus
Ratslaukuma

My Latvian is non-existant, but I’m curious to know what this is. We’re going back to Latvia in September this year, so if this event is an annual occurance is would be great to know. It was a real treat for us to see the costumes and dancing

Thanks
Kirsten

Sveiks!

A rough translation of ‘Razas Svetki’ would be Harvest Festival held on September 25th, 2004.  The next line reads, Fair awaiting the celebration of ‘Mikeli’ at Doms laukums.  ‘Abolu tirgs’ would be an apple fair held at Ratslaukums.  This pertains to the celebration of ‘Mikeli’ in Latvia;whether or not this is related to Michaelmas, I’m not really sure, as Mikeli was celebrated prior to the introduction of Christianity in Latvia as it still is celebrated by Latvians today.  For a better explanation, I refer you to the ‘Welcome to Latvia’  Latvian Institute, site under Seasonal Holidays which lists the fall celebration of ‘Mikeli’

http://www.li.lv/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=41&Itemid=483

I’m sure Mikeli will be celebrated in Riga again in September.

Enjoy, wish I were going…

Irena

Thank you for that information and link Irena, it’s nice to know what the festival is all about!  Hopefully we’ll be in Riga in time to see it again if it is an annual event.

Kirsten