Latvian Song and Dance Festival

The Latvian Song and Dance Festival is a cornerstone of Latvia's cultural fabric, celebrated as one of the largest amateur choral and dance events globally. Since its inception, this festival has been an integral part of Latvian tradition and social life. Recognized by UNESCO, it was honored in 2008 by being inscribed on the Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity list.

The festival has deep roots, with the inaugural All-Latvian Song Festival held in 1873 and the Latvian Dance Festival incorporated in 1948. Held every five years, the event is a vibrant mosaic of activities, including exhibitions, orchestra concerts, and a grand parade. It is a massive affair, drawing around 40,000 performers who sing and dance to folk songs, classical choral pieces, and contemporary hits.

Over the years, the festival has weathered many adversities, including the Soviet occupation and World War II, but it never lost its spirit. Even when held in exile, the festival remained a beacon of Latvian culture. It has evolved over time, relocating to different venues and celebrating notable anniversaries and historical milestones.

Recent festivals have shattered attendance records. For instance, the 26th Festival in 2018 was a monumental success, attracting over 500,000 visitors. The closing concert alone, featuring a choir of 16,000 singers, drew more than 67,000 people, making it the most attended event in the festival's history.

All eyes are now on the upcoming 27th edition in 2023, which promises to be extraordinarily special as it celebrates the festival's 150th anniversary.