Selection of Social Program

A night in Folk-club with a Folk-show on 24 April

A folk night joined by experienced and professional folk-musicians. Each of them is a singer, dancer and musician; most of them can play several instruments. In the folk show offered musicians will tell some stories about Latvian traditional costumes they are wearing. You will be able to hear different traditional Latvian folk music instruments, songs, dances and stories about Latvian ancient history. One of the magical moments of the show is a presentation of kokle (Latvian traditional music instrument) due to its sound which is harp-like and mesmerizing.

Moreover, dancing together with guests is involved. Artists will teach you some of the dances and traditional games that can be done with all the group together. Furthermore, we will try out singing a few easy phrases in Latvian with you.

Buffet dinner & beer/wine included.

Night at the Castle of Light on 26 April

Opposite the Old Town, on the left bank of the Daugava, rises the building of the National Library of Latvia or the Castle of Light. This is one of the most significant cultural buildings in the history of restored Latvia. The library's new building was opened in August 2014, designed by the world-renowned Latvian architect Gunārs Birkerts.

The library is a cultural and information center which offers a list of opportunities for domestic and foreign visitors - you can visit a wide range of themed reading rooms to get acquainted with grandiose bookshelves, periodicals, audio/video recordings, and rare publications. The library also has a Cabinet of Folksongs (Dainu Skapis) for public viewing, a world-class cultural asset and included in the UNESCO Memory of the World Program. In addition, the Castle of Light regularly hosts various exhibitions, concerts, and lectures. Here you can also find wireless internet, a cafe, a restaurant, and undoubtedly the most beautiful view of the Old Town.

The main task of the library is to create and preserve the collection of national and world literature and ensure its free access to everyone. The core of more than 4 million items stock is Latvian and foreign publications on Latvia and Latvians.

We will start with a walk to the Library and an excursion there. A buffet dinner be served in the upper floors of the Library.