The goal of the project “Closer to Latvia” is to promote the integration of newcomers, especially young people aged 18 to 30, into Latvian society, by introducing them to our country’s culture, history, traditions, and values. The project is based on the principle “not only to learn, but also to experience”. Participants not only gain knowledge about Latvia’s cultural heritage, but also take part in practical activities, excursions, creative workshops, and discussions. At the same time, the project promotes intercultural dialogue by providing an opportunity to share one’s country’s traditions, look for shared values, and build new connections.
All activities take place in English, while also encouraging participants to get to know and use Latvian in everyday communication.
We have successfully implemented the first four project activities:
- The birth of the Latvian nation – we got to know the Krišjānis Barons Museum, Latvian folk songs, and kokle-playing traditions.
- Easter traditions in Latvia – we discussed Easter customs and took part in a creative candle-decorating workshop.
- Mother’s Day in Latvia – we explored Latvian literature and women poets, and also shared traditions from different countries.
- Midsummer solstice traditions in Latvia – we went on a trip to Jaunpiebalga, where through masterclasses and joint activities we learned about Jāņi traditions and Latvian rural culture.
More exciting activities are still ahead:
- 22 August – you will learn about the Latvian National Awakening, the Baltic Way, and the Singing Revolution, find out about the importance of songs in Latvia’s path to independence, and visit the Museum of the 1991 Barricades.
- 5 September – you will go on a hike around Limbaži and the Lielezers nature trail, get to know Latvia’s nature, and visit the “Lielezers” bakery, where you will learn about one of the values of Latvia’s Cultural Canon – rye bread and its baking traditions.
- 19 September – you will discover the symbolic meaning of Latvian signs, get to know folk costumes from different regions of Latvia, and take part in a creative workshop by creating your own design inspired by Latvian ornaments.
- 10 October – we will visit one of Riga’s folk dance groups, where under the guidance of professional dancers you will learn the basics of Latvian folk dance and find out about the role of dance in Latvian culture.
- 7 November – we will conclude the project with an intercultural evening, where participants will share their countries’ traditions, get to know the diversity of other cultures, and together look for what unites us.
If you want to get to know Latvia, its culture, and traditions better, we invite you to join the project activities!
Participation in the project is free of charge, but the number of places in the activities is limited.
To apply, fill in the registration form.
The project “Closer to Latvia” is co-financed by the Riga City Society Integration Programme.
