The twelve days of Latvija: Day 10, the final concert “Līgo!”

Once again, I am simply at a loss for words. The final concert of my first Latvian National Song and Dance Festival, six+ hours long, not including the sadziedāšana.

Source here

 

How can a listener sit for six hours straight? Simple. Watch this.

 

OK, and there were plenty of chances to duck out (or in my case push overwhelmed toddler in stroller out) and wander the arena enjoying the atmosphere, grabbing a bite to eat, or just setting out a blanket in the pines and watching/listening from afar.

 

431 choirs, 39 marching bands, 31 dance troupes, 17,908 participants! (and an audience that numbered 40,000!)

Source here

 

The culmination of a week full of singing, this finale refilled my cup, re-centered my soul, re-invigorated my being.

 

Our amazing dziesmu svētku luck continued with amazing seats just eight rows behind the conductors and mvps, something which sadly was lost on the 3 and 1 year old but brought me tremendous joy, as the singers wrapped around on both ends and enveloped us in their harmony.

 

A new tradition which began the previous festival, after the official portion the singing continued until dawn. Singing old favorites, traditional folk songs and new numbers, the audience could join in the singing. A large part of the choir stayed, words broadcast on the large screens for those who left their songbooks at home.

We had company on our ride to Mezparks

 

With two sleeping babies but a heart full of national pride we stayed until 4am, soaking it all in. If only the boys had gotten the memo about sleeping in…