As we prepared for our move to Latvia, one of the things we kept reading in our research was that Latvia is a very musical country. The words “a very musical country” do not do justice to the actual rich cultural heritage that Latvia has. From childhood the children learn national folk dances and songs and we are told that they work on sight-singing beginning in 2nd grade!
One of the central celebrations of Latvia is its Song and Dance Festival which happens every five years. Over 30,000 performers participate in the festival over the week-long celebration which is astounding considering the population of Latvia is only around two million people.
The festival begins with a parade of all the participants, which was quite amazing. Here are some pictures and videos of the event:
We went to visit one of the outdoor markets and parks where there were plenty of food, music, and dancing. Here is Eleanor using some of her dance steps that she learned at preschool:
The final concert had a choir of 14,000 singers and almost 40,000 watching from the stands in a concert hall build specifically for this event. Unfortunately, we were not able to get tickets because they sold out in minutes, but we already have the next connect on our calendars in 2023 when they will celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Festival.
Seeing such a hope and joy through song reminds us of the words of Psalm 98:
Oh sing to the Lord a new song,
for he has done marvelous things!
His right hand and his holy arm
have worked salvation for him.
The Lord has made known his salvation;
he has revealed his righteousness in the sight of the nations.
He has remembered his steadfast love and faithfulness
to the house of Israel.
All the ends of the earth have seen
the salvation of our God.
Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth;
break forth into joyous song and sing praises!
Sing praises to the Lord with the lyre,
with the lyre and the sound of melody!
With trumpets and the sound of the horn
make a joyful noise before the King, the Lord!
(Psalm 98:1-6 ESV)
Our hope, desire, and prayer is for God save and change the hearts of many Latvians so that one day their voices will join the choir of God’s people around his throne!
