Right now, the streets of Riga are alive with the heartbeat of Latvia — voices raised in harmony, feet moving in intricate steps, and a palpable sense of unity in the air. The 2025 Latvian Song and Dance Festival, known in Latvian as “Dziesmu un deju svētki”, is in full swing. Held from July 5th to 13th, this extraordinary cultural event only comes once every five years and brings together tens of thousands of singers, dancers, musicians, and spectators from all over Latvia — and beyond.
A Cultural Phenomenon
“Dziesmu un deju svētki” literally translates to “Song and Dance Festival” in English, but its meaning runs far deeper than just music and movement. It is a profound celebration of Latvian identity, history, and community spirit. This tradition dates back to 1873 and is so culturally significant that it has been recognized by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.
In 2025, the festival focuses on the youth — it’s the 13th Latvian School Youth Song and Dance Festival, featuring around 38,000 young participants: school choirs, folk dance groups, orchestras, and more. These children and teenagers have spent years preparing to represent their schools and regions with pride, dressed in folk costumes and carrying songs learned across generations.
Riga: The Stage for Tradition
Riga transforms into a cultural playground during the festival. Major events take place at iconic venues like:
- Mežaparks Grand Stage — the symbolic heart of the choral performances,
- Daugava Stadium — home to the mass dance shows,
- VEF Culture Palace, Riga Dome Cathedral, and Vērmanes Garden, hosting smaller concerts and folk art showcases.
The festival program includes:
- Folk dance performances featuring thousands of dancers in synchronized traditional steps,
- Choral concerts with spine-tingling harmonies,
- Instrumental performances by kokle players, symphony orchestras, and brass bands,
- Contemporary dance and music shows that blend tradition with modern creativity,
- And a sacred music concert at the Dome Cathedral, offering a moment of reflection amid the festivities.
A Living, Breathing Tradition
What makes this event so unique is that it’s not a show — it’s a living tradition. Participants are not just performers; they are culture-bearers. Every folk costume worn, every melody sung, and every step danced is part of Latvia’s living history. Parents who once performed as children now watch their own kids take the stage.
And the atmosphere? Unforgettable. People fill parks, plazas, and concert halls. There is laughter, emotion, applause, and that special magic when thousands of voices join in a single chorus. Even for those not on stage, the feeling of being part of something bigger is inescapable.
How to Join In
Even if you can’t be in Riga, Latvian public broadcasters are offering live streams and coverage, making it possible to tune into the key events from anywhere in the world.
For those lucky enough to attend in person, prepare for traffic changes and busy streets, but also for moments that will stay in your heart forever. My friend Džeina was lucky to be there on Saturday! Thanks for the pictures!
Why It Matters
In a rapidly changing world, the 2025 Latvian Song and Dance Festival reminds us of the power of tradition, community, and collective joy. It’s about singing who we are, dancing where we come from, and passing that spirit on to the next generation.
If you are interested in this cultural phenomenon, please visit the official website: https://www.nacgavilet.lv/en/
Ilze
P.S. Paldies Džeina par bildēm 🙂
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a day in the life of a latvian mom 
Looks amazing.
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It truly is! Even just walking through the city, you can feel something special in the air — music drifting from every direction, people in folk dress, smiles everywhere. I wish everyone could experience it at least once! 💛
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This is amazing and wonderful, Ilze!! 👍🏻😊
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Thank you so much, John! It’s one of those events that makes your heart swell with pride. The energy, the music, the dedication from all those young performers… it’s hard to put into words, but I tried! 😊🎶
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We call it Patriotism or being a patriot. That applies here too!
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The same here – patriots 🙂 Es esmu patriots. (I’m a patriot)
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Excellent! 👍🏻😎
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What a moving and beautiful experience, Ilze. It must be exhilarating to attend the event.
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Yes, it really is! You feel this incredible mix of tradition and emotion. Seeing children singing songs their grandparents once sang… it’s goosebumps and happy tears all at once. Thank you for reading, Mary! 🌿
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Hello Ilza, when I went to Latvia in 1993 with my mum it was a song and dance festival year. Especially moving for my mum as it was her first time back home since the 1940s. I was amazed at all the national costumes from the counties, and the lovely atmosphere in Riga.
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Oh wow — what a powerful memory! That must have been such a meaningful trip after all those years away. The regional costumes really are stunning, aren’t they? Each pattern, each color tells a story. I love that you’ve seen it firsthand and still remember the feeling. ❤️ Also, today I saw all the ads at McDonald’s, and KFC, etc.. for participants to come and eat and get 10% off… Come on! Back in 1993 is where I would like to be… all authentic… Latvian.
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That is wonderful!!!
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Thank you, Ann! It’s hard to describe the joy and pride in the air — but I hope I’ve captured a little of it here. 😊🇱🇻
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One of the things I love about Latvia is the real food, after a week in Latvia I start to feel healthier. Such a shame that the money making mega corporations push their awful food everywhere they can, its full of trans fats which are so bad for people’s health. But they know how to market it so well.
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Yes, I feel the same! Latvia still has so much real, honest food — especially if you stick to local markets or grow your own. It’s amazing how much better you feel when you eat simple, natural ingredients. But yes, the influence of big food corporations is creeping in everywhere… flashy packaging and convenience can be hard to resist, especially when life gets busy. It’s a real challenge to hold on to traditional food habits, but so worth it for our health.
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What an amazing celebration.
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I’m happy to have traditions and heritage… It’s influenced by other countries 😉
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